• Typhoon Shanshan hit Kagoshima, Japan, with record-breaking rainfall and strong winds.
• The storm disrupted industries and transportation, leading to the suspension of operations and service cancellations.
• Power outages affected over 67,000 structures, prompting an emergency operations meeting by the government.
• The storm's impact underscores the importance of preparedness and effective response to severe weather events.

Typhoon Shanshan, the tenth typhoon of the year, made a powerful landfall in the southwestern Japanese prefecture of Kagoshima on August 29, 2024. Classified as very strong, the storm moved northward near Satsumasendai city at about 15 kilometres per hour, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). By 8:00 a.m. local time, the cyclone had moved slightly north to 31.55 degrees north latitude and 130.05 degrees east longitude, maintaining its speed.

The JMA continued to estimate the central pressure at 935 hPa, with wind speeds and affected areas remaining largely unchanged. The typhoon packed winds of 50 metres per second with gusts of up to 70 metres per second (252 km per hour/157 mph). Record-breaking rainfall affected southern Kyushu, prompting the JMA to issue special warnings for violent winds, high waves, and storm surges across Kagoshima prefecture.

Impact on Industries and Transportation

The impact of Typhoon Shanshan was felt across various sectors. Japan issued an emergency warning as the typhoon approached, prompting Toyota Motor to suspend operations at all its domestic factories. Airlines and rail operators also cancelled some services over the coming days. The government also cancelled its annual earthquake drills planned for Sunday to free up disaster response resources.

The storm's impact was not limited to disruptions in transportation and industry. It also led to at least one death and several injuries. A house in Miyazaki was damaged as the typhoon approached. In the central Japanese city of Gamagori, a landslide buried a house with five people inside. Four of them were rescued, but one later died, and a fourth was found unconscious. Workers were searching for the fifth person, according to the city's disaster management department.

Power Outages and Government Response

Power outages were reported across Kyushu, with over 67,000 structures affected as of early Thursday morning, including over 57,000 in Kagoshima Prefecture and more than 9,000 in Miyazaki Prefecture. The government held an emergency operations meeting for the typhoon on Wednesday, calling for cooperation among the land ministry and the weather agency with local municipalities to prepare for the worst.

The interior ministry called for measures to protect tourists in the coastal areas or residents in low-lying regions and ordered safety checks on fishing ports, tower cranes, and other infrastructure to minimise damage. The government also coordinated with local municipalities for potential evacuations and disaster response.

The storm's slow movement meant that the total amount of rain could be rather big, according to Hayashi, who spoke at a regular news conference. The typhoon also caused widespread power outages and blocked roads, with trees uprooted and rivers gushing with rainwater.

The storm's strong winds and record-breaking rainfall led to the issuance of special warnings, the suspension of operations in various sectors, and the implementation of safety measures. The event underscores the importance of preparedness and effective response in the face of severe weather events. The resilience of the Japanese people and their government's proactive measures were crucial in mitigating the impact of this powerful storm.