Typhoon Lan Slams Western Japan: Widespread Devastation, Power Outages, and Travel Disruptions Rock the Nation
Typhoon Lan wreaked havoc in western Japan, causing widespread disruptions to transportation and leaving a trail of damage and power outages. The impact on the aviation sector and cancellation of major events has added to the disruption. Authorities are working to ensure safety.
Typhoon Lan wreaked havoc in western Japan as it made landfall on Tuesday, causing widespread disruptions to transportation services and leaving a trail of damage and power outages. The typhoon, which landed in Wakayama prefecture, brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to the Kinki, Chugoku, and Tokai regions. Some western Japan areas experienced heavy rain, with precipitation reaching 304 mm in a six-hour period in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama prefecture, and 190 mm in Ayabe, Kyoto prefecture.
The impact on transportation was significant, with all bullet train services between Nagoya and Shin-Osaka stations, as well as between Shin-Osaka and Okayama stations, being canceled. Major Shinkansen stations like JR Shin-Osaka Station, which would normally be bustling with holidaymakers during Japan's annual Bon holidays, were eerily deserted. Expressway operators also temporarily shut down networks in typhoon-prone areas.
The aviation sector was heavily affected, with Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways canceling over 560 flights, leaving more than 50,000 people displaced. Kansai airport on an artificial island in Osaka Bay became a makeshift shelter for around 650 stranded individuals after rail and road access were cut off by the typhoon.
The suspension of services by logistics companies and retailers in western and central Japan also added to the disruption. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a public alert, urging people to remain vigilant for storms, high waves, high tides, landslides, and flooding.
The typhoon is expected to continue its path north and cross the Kinki region, eventually reaching the Sea of Japan on Wednesday. Tottori and Okayama prefectures experienced heavy rain due to the development of linear precipitation zones, leading the city of Tottori to issue a heavy rain warning for the entire prefecture. Water was released from the Saji River Dam as a precautionary measure to prevent overflow.
A Level 5 emergency safety assurance was declared in affected areas, urging residents to seek shelter or move to higher ground. The total amount of rainfall in the Tokai, Kinki, and Chugoku regions has already exceeded the average for an entire month. The typhoon has caused injuries, power outages, and disruptions to train services.
Hundreds of domestic flights have also been canceled, impacting tens of thousands of travelers. The renowned Awa Odori dance festival in Tokushima had to be canceled on its final day due to the severe weather conditions. As Typhoon Lan continues on its trajectory, authorities and residents across affected regions are working to minimize further damage and ensure the safety of the population.