Typhoon Khanun Hits Japan: Two Fatalities and 166,000 Power Outages Reported
In southwestern Japan’s picturesque regions of Okinawa and Kagoshima, approximately 166,000 households found themselves in the grip of Typhoon Khanun’s ferocity. The powerful storm unleashed heavy rain and gusty winds, exacerbating the damage potential and leaving communities grappling with power outages and disruptions.
According to public broadcaster NHK, the typhoon, situated in the East China Sea, was slowly heading northwest, packing formidable gusts of 222km/h (138mph). While it was anticipated to alter its course and head east towards the country’s mainland until Tuesday, its trajectory remained uncertain, keeping authorities on high alert and closely monitoring the situation.
As of Thursday morning, NHK reported that Okinawa, a well-liked tourist destination situated approximately 1,600km (1,000 miles) southwest of Tokyo, witnessed the loss of two lives.
An elderly woman in Okinawa died when her house apparently caught fire because she was using candles since the power had failed, NHK public television said. The other fatality was a man in his 90s crushed when a garage collapsed.
Additionally, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency disclosed that a total of 41 individuals in Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures suffered injuries.
As the typhoon’s forceful impact reverberated across the region, Naha Airport, a significant gateway to Okinawa, experienced a temporary shutdown. The transport ministry disclosed that 304 flights were canceled, affecting travel plans and adding to the logistical challenges faced by both residents and tourists. However, after two days, the airport resumed activities, albeit with considerable disruptions.
As per the local utility company, Okinawa Electric Power Co, approximately 160,040 households, which equates to about a quarter of their service area, were suffering from power outages as of 10:36 am local time, as reported on their website.
Further, Kyushu Electric Power confirmed that the power supply to around 6,550 households on the Amami islands in the Kagoshima prefecture, north of Okinawa, was disrupted as of 9 am.
Typhoon Khanun’s Fury Hits Northern Taiwan
On Thursday, Typhoon Khanun compelled schools and businesses in northern Taiwan to close, leading to the cancellation of nearly 40 international flights. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) official stated that the extent of the storm’s impact in the area would hinge on when it began to veer towards the east.
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Source: The Guardian
