What's happened
Typhoon Shanshan made landfall in Kyushu, Japan, on August 29, 2024, bringing winds up to 157 mph and causing significant damage. Authorities issued evacuation orders for tens of thousands, and three fatalities were reported due to landslides. Major disruptions to transportation and power outages affected over 250,000 homes.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, Typhoon Shanshan made landfall with winds reaching 157 mph, leading to widespread power outages and transport disruptions. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest warnings for violent storms and advised residents to evacuate. The Guardian reported on the tragic deaths of three family members due to a landslide, emphasizing the storm's severity. Both sources noted the extensive impact on transportation, with major airlines canceling flights and Toyota halting production, illustrating the storm's far-reaching economic effects.
How we got here
Typhoon Shanshan, classified as Japan's strongest storm of the year, approached Kyushu after heavy rains had already impacted the region. The Japan Meteorological Agency had warned of severe weather conditions, prompting evacuation advisories and preparations for potential disasters.
More on these topics
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Kyushu is the third largest island of Japan's five main islands. In the past, it has been known as Kyūkoku, Chinzei and Tsukushi-no-shima. The historical regional name Saikaidō referred to Kyushu and its surrounding islands.
In the 8th-century Taihō Co
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Typhoon Shanshan, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Luis, was a strong typhoon that affected parts of East Asia in late September 2006.
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Japan is an island country of East Asia in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It borders the Sea of Japan to the west and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.