Millions scrambled to evacuate as Typhoon Shanshan battered Japan’s Kyushu region Thursday, unleashing 180 km/h winds 🌬️, flooding streets, and paralyzing travel. At least three fatalities and 45 injuries have been reported, with authorities calling it one of the strongest storms in decades.
Corporate Shutdowns & Chaos
Major automakers like Toyota and Honda halted production nationwide 🚗⚡, while chipmakers Renesas and Tokyo Electron paused operations. Power outages hit 230,000 households, and flights grounded nearly 800 planes ✈️. Train and ferry services across Kyushu were suspended, stranding travelers.
‘Never Seen Wind Like This’
Miyazaki resident Tomoki Maeda described the storm’s fury: \"I’ve never experienced such strong winds in 31 years\" 💨. Hotels like Madoka Kubo’s in Hitoyoshi transformed into evacuation centers, sheltering elderly residents displaced by floods.
Storm’s Next Move
Shanshan is expected to drift toward Tokyo this weekend 🗼, prompting officials to urge caution. Over 5.2 million people have received evacuation orders nationwide. This follows Typhoon Ampil’s destruction earlier this month, signaling a turbulent summer for Japan’s disaster response 🌊.
