Japan Evacuates Over a Million as Two Storms Approach; Taiwan Reports Two Deaths

Japan has advised over a million residents to evacuate their homes as two tropical storms, Mekkhala and Higos, churn towards the archipelago. The approaching storms bring the threat of torrential rains and potential landslides, with severe tropical storm Mekkhala already causing devastation in Taiwan.

In Taiwan, Mekkhala triggered widespread flooding and landslides, resulting in at least two fatalities. A 73-year-old woman was swept away by floodwaters in Kaohsiung, while a 49-year-old woman was found dead inside a submerged car in Hsinchu County. A 65-year-old man remains missing in Hsinchu after going to check on his farmland. More than 1,600 people were evacuated from their homes in Taiwan, with schools, offices, and some train lines shut down.

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There is a risk of extremely heavy rain at warning levels.

Japan is bracing for Mekkhala, which, though downgraded from a typhoon, still carries gusts up to 108 kilometers per hour. Forecasters warn of heavy rain across southern and western Japan, potentially affecting densely populated areas like Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo over the weekend. The situation is further complicated by the potential Fujiwhara effect, where Mekkhala could interact with tropical storm Higos, making their paths and intensity harder to predict.

Authorities in Japan have issued warnings about potential landslides and flooding. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported one serious injury and three minor injuries, along with flooding in dozens of buildings, primarily in the Kagoshima region. In response, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways canceled 120 flights to and from southern regions. Automakers Toyota and Nissan also announced plans to suspend some production lines due to the heavy rain and associated road closures.

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We offer our heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by the disaster, and we will continue to gain an accurate picture of the damage situation.