Typhoon Shanshan hit southern Japan on Thursday, causing at least three deaths and raising concerns about flooding, landslides, and extensive damage. The storm made landfall near Satsumasendai in southern Kyushu, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and high waves. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued warnings for most of the country, particularly the southern prefectures of Kyushu, urging people to take shelter at community centers.
By midmorning, Shanshan was still on Kyushu, moving north at 9 miles per hour with sustained winds of 89 mph. A landslide in the city of Gamagori killed three people, while one person on the island of Amami was knocked down by a wind gust while riding a motorcycle. The typhoon is expected to slowly move up the Japanese archipelago, threatening floods and landslides.
Disaster Management Minister Yoshifumi Matsumura warned of potential unprecedented levels of violent winds, high waves, storm surges, and heavy rain. Hundreds of flights were canceled, and train services were suspended in southwestern Japan. Deliveries and postal services were also put on hold in the Kyushu region, and supermarkets closed as a precaution. The government urged people, especially older adults, to take shelter whenever there is a safety concern. Similar measures may be implemented on the main island of Honshu through Sunday.
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