Across southern and western Japan, authorities reported that at least eight million people in about 3.7 million households faced evacuation orders as Typhoon Nanmadol arrived. Officials described the storm as unprecedented in scale and impact, marking one of the most serious weather events to hit the region in recent memory.
Evacuation orders were issued with particular urgency in Kyushu, Shikoku, and the Chugoku region. NHK, the national broadcaster, cited that 33 individuals had sustained injuries in storm-related incidents while such numbers continued to be monitored as the situation evolved.
Local authorities issued Level 5 alerts, the highest on Japan’s disaster warning scale, in parts of Kyushu, and in Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures. In those areas, more than 110,000 residents in over 55,000 households were advised to move to safer locations as a precaution against life-threatening conditions.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a special warning describing Nanmadol as an unprecedented event due to the imminent risk of severe floods, landslides, and riverine overflows. Citizens were urged to stay away from shorelines and to remain inside until authorities confirmed the danger receded.
The typhoon’s center made landfall near Kagoshima on Kyushu around 7:00 p.m. local time, with expectation that it would move toward the western Chugoku region at roughly 20 kilometers per hour. The agency forecasted extreme weather patterns including substantial storm surges, high waves, and dangerous wind gusts as Nanmadol moved inland.
Officials warned residents to exercise extreme caution against storm surges, towering waves, and potential flooding. They noted that both the southern and northern sections of Kyushu could experience record rainfall, reinforcing the danger of landslides, river flooding, and urban flooding in vulnerable areas.
Forecasts indicated rainfall totals on Kyushu between 400 and 600 millimeters within 24 hours. Tokai and Kinki prefectures, situated in central Japan, were expected to receive 300 and 250 millimeters respectively. While Nanmadol weakened slightly by early Sunday morning, meteorologists cautioned that the system still carried the potential for severe gusts, with some models suggesting sustained winds near 250 kilometers per hour in the most intense bands. Reports from Yakushima Island recorded gusts reaching 156 kilometers per hour.
Across the southern portions of Japan, transportation networks faced significant disruption. Flight cancellations mounted, and high-speed rail services linking major cities such as Hiroshima and Hakata faced cancellations or schedules adjustments. The corridor between Hiroshima and Osaka also experienced reductions in train frequency as operators managed safety concerns and service continuity.
In addition to weather effects, a tsunami warning was issued for parts of Okinawa’s southern islands in response to a seismic event detected near Taiwan. Authorities subsequently lifted the warning after confirming that no significant flooding or wave amplification occurred in Miyako and Yaeyama areas of Okinawa prefecture.
Officials emphasized that the situation remained fluid and urged residents and travelers to follow local guidance. The evolving conditions underscored the importance of readiness planning, including securing property, maintaining emergency supplies, and staying informed through official channels during high-impact weather events like Nanmadol.
As regional responders coordinate evacuation efforts and shelter strategies, the broader response continues to focus on minimizing harm, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and ensuring timely communication with the public. The event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for preparedness in the face of powerful tropical systems and the value of clear, credible weather warnings in safeguarding lives and communities. (Source attribution: Japan Meteorological Agency and NHK reporting)