Typhoon Shanshan Ravages Japan with Torrential Rains and Fierce Winds

Typhoon Shanshan hit Japan with heavy rains and winds, causing floods, landslides, and travel disruptions. Four people have died and 99 were injured. Tens of thousands were evacuated, and major factories like Toyota suspended operations. The storm is expected to move towards central and eastern Japan over the weekend.

Typhoon Shanshan pounded Japan with torrential rain on Friday, producing warnings for flooding and landslides far from its center, halting travel, and shutting major factories. The disaster management agency reported four deaths and 99 injuries in recent storm-related incidents.

In Kyushu, where the storm made landfall Thursday, residents faced the aftermath of heavy rain and severe winds. Yu Fukuda, a 67-year-old fish farm owner in Oita prefecture, found floodwaters inundated her business.

Authorities reported gusts of up to 180 km per hour. Around 250,000 households lost power, but many saw service restored by Friday. Record-breaking rains raised concerns for more landslides and floods. More than 3.3 million residents were advised to evacuate, primarily in Kyushu and central, eastern Japan, including Tokyo. Shizuoka experienced its highest rainfall since 1976, and significant factory operations and travel remained suspended.

(With inputs from agencies.)