Authorities on Kyushu and Honshu islands have ordered evacuations as a powerful typhoon approaches Japan. Typhoon Shanshan, expected to bring extremely strong winds and high waves, is heading towards Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures on Kyushu. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued an emergency warning, estimating the typhoon to pack gusts of up to 250km/h.
In response to the threat, carmaker Toyota has suspended operations at all 14 plants in Japan, and airlines have canceled numerous flights. Japan Airlines and ANA canceled hundreds of domestic and international flights, affecting tens of thousands of travelers. Kyushu Railway also announced the suspension of some Shinkansen bullet train services.
Evacuation orders have been issued for over 800,000 residents in Kagoshima prefecture and other areas in Kyushu and Honshu. Postal and delivery services have been suspended in the Kyushu region, and supermarkets and stores have announced early closures.
The approaching typhoon comes as Japan continues to grapple with extreme weather events, including the recent Typhoon Ampil and Tropical Storm Maria. A study released last month linked the intensification and longer duration of typhoons in the region to climate change.
Officials are urging residents in the path of Typhoon Shanshan to take precautionary measures early and ensure their safety. With the typhoon expected to move towards central and eastern regions, including Tokyo, over the weekend, authorities are taking necessary steps to protect the public during this potentially dangerous weather event.
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