Tropical Storm Shanshan Causes Havoc Across Japan

Tropical Storm Shanshan brought heavy rain and flooding to Japan, impacting Tokyo and Kanagawa, and causing landslides, transportation disruption, and injuries. The storm, initially a powerful typhoon, has slowed but continues to threaten with significant rainfall, paralyzing services and businesses across southwestern Japan.

Tropical Storm Shanshan wreaked havoc across Japan on Friday, unleashing heavy rains around Tokyo and flooding roads and riverside areas in the south of the country.

Kanagawa prefecture, west of Tokyo, reported flooding that stalled vehicles and blocked roads. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued warnings for heavy rain and potential landslides, including in the densely populated capital and nearby Shizuoka.

NHK footage showed the Meguro River in Tokyo swollen with muddy water, far above its usual levels. In Hiratsuka town, dozens of cars were submerged up to their windows, and pedestrians waded through thigh-high floodwaters. In Ninomiya, a neighboring town, floodwater from a river stranded vehicles and uprooted trees.

Tropical Storm Shanshan, which made landfall on Kyushu as a powerful typhoon on Thursday, has weakened but remained off the northeastern coast of the island on Friday. Experts warn that its slow movement could worsen the duration and extent of rainfall, increasing disaster risks.

The Japan Meteorological Agency predicted up to 30 centimeters of rainfall in Shikoku and central Japan, and up to 15 centimeters for Tokyo and nearby areas within the next 24 hours until Saturday noon. The storm has disrupted traffic, delivery services, and businesses across southwestern Japan. In Kyushu, nearly 80 people were injured, and two people were reported missing following a landslide that killed three before the storm's landfall.

Hundreds of domestic flights connecting southwestern cities were canceled, and Shinkansen bullet trains were suspended between Tokyo and Osaka. Postal and delivery services were mostly halted in southwestern regions of Kyushu and Shikoku. Major automakers, including Toyota and Mazda, shut down factories in the affected areas through Friday.

(With inputs from agencies.)