Tokyo, June 2: The tropical storm Jangmi, known as Typhoon No. 6 in Japan, has disrupted normal life across the country. On Tuesday afternoon, nine people were injured, and power supply was interrupted for over 47,000 homes in Okinawa and Kagoshima, according to local media outlets.
According to The Japan Times, the storm has had a significant impact as it moves toward the Kyushu region. As of 11:45 AM local time on Tuesday, the storm was located about 140 kilometers southwest of Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, moving northeast at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour.
The meteorological department reported the central pressure of the storm at 975 hectopascals, with wind speeds near the center reaching up to 25 meters per second.
Kyodo News Agency reported that Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minoru Kihara, stated that by 6 AM Tuesday, six homes in Kagoshima and Okinawa had sustained partial damage, with flooding on roads, fallen trees, and flying debris due to strong winds. All nine injured individuals suffered minor injuries.
By 5 AM, approximately 47,930 homes in both prefectures were without power. Transportation services were also affected, leading to the closure of two expressway sections and the suspension of services on one railway line. Additionally, six other rail operators planned to halt services on 19 lines later in the day.
On Tuesday, over 300 flights in and out of the Kyushu region were canceled. Maritime transport was also disrupted, with services suspended on 64 shipping routes operated by 57 companies in the Kinki, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa regions.
Kihara mentioned that the government is collaborating with local administrations to share information, assess damages, and coordinate emergency relief efforts.
He warned that transportation services in the Tokyo metropolitan area could also be affected starting Wednesday morning.
He urged residents in the impacted areas to heed evacuation instructions issued by local authorities, seek safe locations if necessary, and remain vigilant for their safety.
The meteorological agency has issued warnings for strong winds, high sea waves, storm surges, landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and river overflows.
According to the meteorological department, the storm is expected to gradually turn eastward, approaching southern Kyushu. By Wednesday, it may move northeast along Honshu’s southern coast, reaching the Shikoku and Kanto regions.
Due to dense rain clouds present to the north and east of the storm’s center, heavy rainfall is anticipated in wide areas even before its arrival. Some regions may experience torrential rain.
In the last 24 hours, Amagi town in Kagoshima Prefecture recorded 209.5 mm of rain, setting a record for June.
By Wednesday morning, rainfall of up to 350 mm is expected in the Tokai and Kinki regions, while the Izu Islands may see 300 mm, Shikoku 250 mm, northern Kyushu and Kanto-Koshin 200 mm, and southern Kyushu 180 mm.
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