Typhoon Shanshan, classified as a very strong storm, made landfall on Thursday on Kyushu, the main island in Japan’s southwest. It left at least three people dead, one missing, and dozens injured, while causing damage to more than a hundred homes.
At least three deaths were confirmed and one person remained unaccounted for, with 41 others injured across Kyushu. Nine injuries were reported in Kagoshima Prefecture, 30 in Miyazaki, one in Fukuoka, and one in Kumamoto. The missing man is believed to be about 60 years old and fell into the sea while trying to moor his boat in Kagoshima port the previous day, according to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK.
Images released by NHK show floods and homes with damaged façades after the typhoon touched down near Satsumasendai in Kagoshima Prefecture around 8:00 local time Thursday (23:00 GMT Wednesday).
The Japan Meteorological Agency urged residents to stay vigilant, especially for possible landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.
After landfall, the typhoon moved north-northeast at about 15 kilometers per hour. It is expected to progress toward Tokyo between September 2 and 3 as it continues its northward trek across the archipelago.
Increased Weather Alerts
An enhanced weather warning issued on Wednesday covers Kagoshima Prefecture and the southern part of Miyazaki, warning residents to prepare for strong winds and high surf. Coastal waters could experience storm surge when gusts push seawater above normal levels, increasing the risk of flooding along shorelines.
This heightened alert, though more common in Okinawa, has only been activated once before on the main islands of Japan when Typhoon Nanmadol affected the region in September 2022. In Kitakyushu, authorities ordered evacuations for more than 103,000 people across about 55,000 households.
Housing and Transport Impacts
In Miyazaki, Shanshan caused damage to roughly 160 homes and public buildings, with façades peeling away, windows shattering, and scattered flooding in low-lying areas. Debris and loose objects also posed hazards to pedestrians, and traffic lights were out in several zones.
Regarding transit, Kyushu saw disruptions as high-speed rail services between Kumamoto and Fukuoka were suspended, along with the Nagasaki-Takeo express line and many local trains. As the storm moves toward Honshu, railway operators warned of further cancellations on the Fukuoka-Osaka corridor slated from Thursday to Saturday and on the Osaka-Tokyo route from Friday to Sunday.
Eight highways were closed and about 700 flights were canceled according to government figures, with another 300 flights suspended the day before, affecting around 9,000 travelers. Authorities warned that services could see additional interruptions as the system advances toward the main island chain.
Emergency coordination centers advised people to monitor official updates, secure outdoor items, and heed local evacuation orders where issued. While authorities strive to keep critical infrastructure running, travelers should anticipate delays and plan alternative routes or schedules accordingly.