Japanese authorities have ordered the evacuation of nearly one million people as Tropical Storms Mekkhala and Higos brought torrential rainfall, raising the risk of flooding, landslides and overflowing rivers across large parts of the country. The severe weather also triggered widespread transport disruptions, while neighboring Taiwan continued to grapple with heavy rain and flooding caused by the same weather system.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued high-level landslide warnings for several regions, including parts of Shizuoka, Kanagawa, Chiba and the Izu Islandsurging residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate as a precaution. Authorities warned that the combination of the seasonal rain front and the two tropical storms could produce exceptionally heavy rainfall through the weekend.
According to Japanese officials, evacuation advisories covering close to one million residents were issued as the risk of landslides and flash floods increased. Emergency authorities urged people living near rivers, steep slopes and low-lying areas to move to safer locations as rainfall intensified across western and eastern Japan.
The extreme weather disrupted transportation across the country. More than 200 domestic flights were cancelled, several railway services were suspended or delayed, and portions of major expressways were temporarily closed due to heavy rain and poor visibility. Manufacturing operations were also briefly affected, with Toyota temporarily halting production at one of its factories before later resuming operations.
In Taiwan, torrential rain associated with Meccawhich weakened from a typhoon to a tropical storm before approaching southern Japan, inundated several southern counties. Schools and government offices remained closed in parts of Kaohsiung, Pingtung and Tainanwhile floodwaters disrupted road and rail transport. Authorities also evacuated residents in Hualien County because of concerns over a landslide-created barrier lake that could burst.
Despite the widespread disruptions, Taiwan’s leading semiconductor manufacturer TSMC said its operations were not affected by the heavy rainfall. Officials noted that while the storms caused flooding and transport disruptions, the rainfall would also help replenish reservoirs following a relatively dry season.
Weather officials in both Japan and Taiwan have urged residents to remain alert as heavy rainfall, strong winds and the risk of landslides are expected to continue until the storm systems move away from the region. Emergency response agencies remain on standby to assist affected communities and monitor changing weather conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Japan issued evacuation advisories for nearly one million people as Tropical Storms Mecca and Figs brought heavy rainfall.
- The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of flooding, landslides and overflowing rivers across several prefectures.
- More than 200 flights were cancelled, while rail services and road transport were disrupted across Japan.
- Southern Taiwan experienced widespread flooding, school closures and evacuations due to torrential rain.
- Authorities in both countries urged residents to remain vigilant as severe weather conditions continue.
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