Typhoon knocks out power in southern Japan

Severe consequences have arisen as a powerful typhoon approaches southern Japan, causing one reported fatality and leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity. The region experienced strong winds and heavy rain, leading to flight cancellations and tourist strandings. Typhoon Khanun, characterized as “very strong” by the Japanese weather agency, brought wind speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour. Okinawa’s power company reported that almost 35% of households in the region, or 220,580 households, had no electricity. To ensure safety, an evacuation warning was issued, urging over 690,000 residents to move to secure areas. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that 11 individuals in Okinawa sustained minor injuries. Unfortunately, a 90-year-old man died after being trapped under a collapsed garage, likely due to the strong winds. The Japan Meteorological Agency cautioned about the risk of flooding and landslides in certain parts of Okinawa. The typhoon is projected to cross into eastern China later this week. More than 400 flights were canceled, affecting over 65,000 passengers. Tourists faced uncertainty and long queues at the main Naha airport as they hoped to return home. “We haven’t been able to secure a hotel and we don’t know when the return flight can be booked,” one tourist, Minako Kawakami, expressed.

© 2023 AFP