Central Japan Railway and West Japan Railway operators reported delays on other parts of the high-speed network and local trains. A powerful typhoon was advancing towards southern Japan on Tuesday, causing heavy rainfall and disrupting bullet trains and flights. Typhoon Shanshan was heading towards the southern Amami archipelago, with wind gusts reaching up to 216km per hour. Due to heavy rain, the bullet train service between the central cities of Hamamatsu and Toyohashi was suspended, with operations resuming at 9.15am, according to the operator. Central Japan Railway and West Japan Railway operators also mentioned delays on other parts of the high-speed network and local trains. Japan Airlines announced the cancellation of 116 domestic flights on Tuesday and Wednesday, along with six international flights. The Japan Meteorological Agency advised residents to "evacuate from dangerous places" due to the threat of heavy rain and potential landslides in the central Shizuoka area and high waves in the southern Amami region. Typhoon Shanshan is forecast to turn towards the main southern island of Kyushu later this week. This follows Typhoon Ampil, which caused significant disruptions to hundreds of flights and trains earlier this month. Although it brought heavy rain, Ampil resulted in only minor injuries and damage as it moved along the Pacific coast near Tokyo. This occurred shortly after Tropical Storm Maria brought record rainfall to northern Japan. A recent study indicates that typhoons in the region are forming closer to coastlines, intensifying more rapidly, and lasting longer over land due to climate change.
Text: Lara Palmer
27.08.2024
Powerful Typhoon Shanshan Causes Major Disruptions in Southern Japan, Following Recent Storms