Typhoon Shanshan Strikes Japan, Causes Deaths and Evacuations

Typhoon Shanshan made landfall in southern Japan, prompting evacuation orders for nearly four million residents across Kyushu, with reports of at least three fatalities and significant injuries. The Japan Meteorological Agency downgraded the storm to a severe tropical storm as it moved north, but it has already caused severe disruptions, including the cancellation of nearly 800 flights and the halting of operations at major factories like Toyota. More than 160,000 households lost power, and emergency warnings for flooding and landslides were issued for many regions. Rainfall has reached up to 20 inches in some areas, with forecasts suggesting totals could reach 40 inches in isolated regions. Authorities are urging residents to take evacuation orders seriously due to unprecedented winds and storm surges. The storm is expected to weaken further as it continues its slow path across Japan, but the threat of significant rainfall remains.