Japan is preparing for Tropical Storm Mekkhala and Tropical Storm Higos, both approaching, by canceling over 120 flights and warning residents to evacuate due to the risk of flooding and landslides from heavy rain.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that Mekkhala, which has weakened from a typhoon to a strong tropical storm, still has maximum gusts reaching 144 kilometers per hour, causing continuous heavy rain in many southern and western parts of Japan.
The storm is expected to pass through waters near Kyushu and Shikoku islands this weekend, with a chance of approaching Tropical Storm Higos currently forming in the Pacific Ocean.
Meteorologists warned that if both storms come close together, the Fujiwhara effect could occur, a phenomenon where two tropical cyclones influence each other, making their paths and intensities much harder to predict.
Recently, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways announced the cancellation of a total of 120 flights, both inbound and outbound, from Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures to ensure passenger and crew safety.
Meanwhile, Kyoto authorities have advised thousands of residents to evacuate from high-risk areas after heavy rain increased the threat of landslides. NHK television showed footage of a river turning muddy brown, flowing rapidly with strong currents.
Officials in Kyoto and Osaka reported rising water levels in several rivers and urged the public to closely monitor the situation due to the ongoing risk of flash flooding.
The heavy rain also forced Toyota to halt production at one of its factories on Kyushu Island after several roads were closed due to flooding and landslides.
Nissan also announced plans to suspend some production lines. Meanwhile, Japan's Self-Defense Forces canceled the inaugural flight of their V-22 Osprey transport aircraft to Miyako Island, which was originally scheduled to participate in military exercises with the United States.
Earlier, the influence of Mekkhala affected Taiwan, prompting the evacuation of more than 1,600 people from vulnerable areas and the closure of schools and government offices after persistent heavy rain caused flooding and landslides in several locations.
Although no fatalities have been reported, authorities warned of flash floods and mudslides in the mountainous regions of Hualien City as well as in Kaohsiung and Pingtung. Taiwan's meteorological agency reported accumulated rainfall reaching up to 88 centimeters since Thursday.
Additionally, many residents living near natural dam lakes recently discovered in the mountainous Hualien area evacuated for safety. Some train services were temporarily suspended due to the situation.
.source :channelnewsasia
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