A powerful typhoon, Typhoon Shanshan, is making its way toward southern Japan, bringing heavy rain and causing significant disruptions to transport networks. The typhoon, with wind gusts reaching up to 216 kilometers per hour (135 miles per hour), is approaching the southern Amami archipelago.
On Tuesday, the intense weather led to the suspension of bullet train services between the central cities of Hamamatsu and Toyohashi. Services resumed at 09:15 am local time (0015 GMT), according to the operator. Other parts of the high-speed rail network and local trains also experienced delays, as reported by Central Japan Railway and West Japan Railway.
Japan Airlines announced the cancellation of 116 domestic flights scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, along with six international flights.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings urging residents to “evacuate from dangerous places” due to the risk of heavy rain, potential landslides in the central Shizuoka area, and high waves in the southern Amami region.
Typhoon Shanshan is forecasted to shift towards the main southern island of Kyushu later this week. This storm follows Typhoon Ampil, which recently caused widespread disruption, including the cancellation of hundreds of flights and train services. Although Ampil brought substantial rain, it resulted in only minor injuries and damage as it moved along the Pacific coast past the Tokyo region.
The recent typhoons and storms, including Tropical Storm Maria which brought record rainfall to northern Japan, highlight a concerning trend. According to a study released last month, typhoons in the region are forming closer to coastlines, intensifying more rapidly, and lingering longer over land, a pattern linked to climate change.
