What's happened
Tropical Storm Shanshan has wreaked havoc across Japan, causing at least six deaths and widespread flooding. The storm, which made landfall as a typhoon, is expected to linger, bringing heavy rainfall and landslide risks. Evacuations are underway in affected areas, including Tokyo, as the storm continues its slow northeastward path.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Tropical Storm Shanshan has caused significant damage, with reports of at least six deaths and numerous injuries. The storm's slow movement has led to prolonged rainfall, prompting evacuation orders in Tokyo and surrounding areas. Mari Yamaguchi from The Independent notes that the storm has left many homes damaged and infrastructure compromised, with muddy waters flooding streets and rivers.
The South China Morning Post highlights the extensive reach of the storm, stating that damage has been reported over 1,000 kilometers from the storm's center. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for heavy rainfall and landslides, indicating the storm's potential for further impact.
The New York Times emphasizes the storm's record rainfall, with some areas receiving nearly three feet of rain, raising concerns for landslides and flooding in more regions. The slow pace of the storm has been a critical factor in the ongoing crisis, as it allows for sustained heavy rainfall over affected areas.
How we got here
Tropical Storm Shanshan made landfall on August 29, 2024, initially as a powerful typhoon. Its slow movement has resulted in prolonged heavy rainfall, leading to significant flooding and landslides across various regions in Japan, particularly affecting the southwestern islands and the Kanto area.
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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.
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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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NHK is Japan's national broadcaster. NHK, which has always been known by this romanized acronym in Japanese, is a statutory corporation funded by viewers' payments of a television license fee.