In Japan, typhoons are powerful and destructive tropical cyclones that frequently impact the nation’s coastal regions. These formidable storms, characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall, pose significant threats to human lives. And now Southern Japan is facing the wrath of Typhoon Khanun which has claimed at least 1 life and injured 100 others.
Typhoon Khanun Causes Massive Destruction In Japan
Let’s surf in Okinawa!
It is a backfiow phenimenon of the river.
Typhoon #6 Khanun . pic.twitter.com/N3j44UNlBz— けんた (@nishii6918) August 1, 2023
On August 2, as typhoon Khanun approached with powerful winds and lashing rain, it was reported that one person was killed. And hundreds of thousands in southern Japan were left without electricity.
Typhoon Khanun, categorized as “very strong” by the Japanese weather agency, caused the cancellation of hundreds of flights to Okinawa and neighbouring islands. This has left thousands of tourists stranded in the region’s tropical beach resorts, reports Hindustan Times.
The typhoon brought maximum sustained wind speeds of 180 kilometres (112 miles) per hour. Early on August 2, Okinawa’s power company reported that 220,580 households, which accounted for nearly 35% of the total in the region, were without electricity.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency issued an evacuation warning across Okinawa and the southern part of the Kagoshima region. They have urged over 690,000 residents to move to safety, reports Hindustan Times.
Also Read: Beijing Evacuates 30,000 People Amidst Typhoon Doksuri; Receives Record Rainfall Of 500.4 mm
What Damage Has The Natural Disaster Caused So Far?
Getting battered here! #typhoon #Khanun pic.twitter.com/qYdfK0EIB6
— James Reynolds (@EarthUncutTV) August 1, 2023
As per reports, the agency reported that 11 people in Okinawa suffered mild injuries. On August 1 evening, a 90-year-old man died after strong winds likely caused a collapsed garage, trapping him, as per public broadcaster NHK.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued warnings of flooding and landslides in certain areas of the main island of Okinawa. The typhoon was approximately 70 kilometres south of Okinawa’s remote Kumejima island and it was moving west-northwest, reports stated.
NHK reported the cancellation of more than 400 flights on August 2, affecting over 65,000 passengers. Reuters stated that the typhoon was expected to cross over to eastern China later in the week.
In conclusion, Typhoon Khanun posed significant challenges and disruptions to the affected regions, with strong winds, heavy rain, and widespread power outages. The loss of life and injuries emphasise the seriousness of such natural disasters.
Also Read: Taiwan Shuts Down Schools & Offices As Typhoon Doksuri Heads Towards China
The resilience and cooperation displayed during this event highlight the importance of collective efforts in facing and recovering from such weather calamities.
Cover image courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)