Bangkok: Two powerful tropical cyclones, Mekkhala and Higos, have unleashed continuous heavy rain and severe weather conditions across Japan, leading to widespread disruption and heightened emergency responses in several regions.
According to Thai News Agency, the cyclones are moving inland from Japan's Pacific coast, triggering heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides, particularly in the western and eastern parts of the country. Major cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, are experiencing the brunt of the storms' impact. In an urgent response, Japanese authorities have issued a Level 4 alert, mandating the evacuation of more than 2 million residents from high-risk areas, such as Yamaguchi, Fukuoka, Oita, Shizuoka, Kanagawa, and Chiba prefectures.
The severe weather has already claimed a life in Hyogo Prefecture due to drowning, while another individual remains missing following a landslide in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Several injuries have been reported, with victims receiving treatment in hospitals. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency has reported that over 50 homes have been inundated in the Nara and Hiroshima areas. Major rivers, including the Kamo River in Kyoto, are overflowing at concerning levels, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to maintain a high alert for strong winds, landslides, and flash floods throughout the weekend.
The extreme weather conditions have also led to significant travel disruptions. Major airlines, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), have canceled more than 200 domestic flights, especially those linking Okinawa and Kagoshima. Furthermore, Shinkansen bullet trains between Tokyo and Osaka, as well as various local trains and expressways, have been temporarily halted for safety reasons. In response to disrupted transportation routes, major automakers Toyota and Nissan have announced temporary production stops at their Kyushu plants.
Compounding the crisis, a 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Yamanashi Prefecture, with tremors felt as far as Tokyo. This seismic activity has further destabilized the soil structure, heightening the risk of severe landslides, as continuous rainfall persists.