triggered in Japan , with authorities ordering the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents and widespread power outages plunging the country into darkness. The powerful tropical storm, which continues its path along the Japanese coast toward Tokyo, has left at least nine people injured and disrupted air traffic, foreshadowing significant challenges in the coming hours.
Due to its location in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, Japan is one of the countries most vulnerable to tropical cyclones, known locally as typhoons. The typhoon season typically runs from May to October, peaking in August and September. During this period, the country is regularly battered by powerful storms accompanied by torrential rain and strong winds, constantly testing its infrastructure and emergency systems. Typhoon Jangmi, the first major storm to hit the archipelago this season, has renewed concerns and prompted heightened vigilance from both citizens and authorities.
Typhoon Jangmi's impact on Japan: widespread evacuations and warnings
As the storm intensified, authorities in Miyazaki City on Kyushu Island issued evacuation orders for nearly 390,000 people in anticipation of flooding and landslides. On Okinawa Island, which was the first to feel the typhoon's full force, local media footage showed the initial extent of the damage, with massive trees uprooted by the fierce winds accompanying torrential rain. The typhoon also caused widespread power outages, affecting more than 30,000 homes in Kagoshima Prefecture and another 17,000 in Okinawa, according to local power companies. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of the continued risk of high waves and flooding as the storm moved northward.
Paralysis in transportation and economic repercussions
The typhoon's impact extended to the vital transportation sector, with Japan's two largest airlines, All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL), announcing the cancellation of a total of 600 flights scheduled between Monday and Wednesday. This disruption not only affects passengers but also casts a shadow over business activities and supply chains. In Tokyo, which is expected to be hit by the storm on Wednesday, public transportation companies began broadcasting warning messages to commuters about potential disruptions and delays to train and bus services, urging residents to stay updated and avoid unnecessary travel. Regarding casualties, government spokesman Minoru Kihara confirmed that Typhoon Jangmi, currently classified as a severe tropical storm, injured nine people in Okinawa. NHK, Japan's public broadcaster, reported that most of the injuries resulted from falls caused by strong winds or from objects that struck vehicles. Emergency teams continue their work to respond to incidents and restore essential services, while the country remains on alert as the storm approaches the most densely populated areas.
