Tropical Storms Disrupt Japan and Taiwan
What’s Happening?
Two tropical storms—Mekkhala and Higos—are moving toward Japan’s southern islands. Mekkhala, once a typhoon, still packs strong winds and heavy rain. Forecasters say it could interact with Higos, creating a rare weather pattern called the Fujiwhara effect, which makes the storms’ paths harder to predict.
Flight Cancellations
- Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have grounded over 120 flights to and from Okinawa and Kagoshima.
- Travelers heading to the southern regions should check with their airlines for updates and possible re‑bookings.
Evacuations and Warnings
- Authorities in Kyoto advised several thousand residents to leave their homes because of rising river levels and landslide risks.
- In Osaka, officials warned that water levels in local rivers are climbing and urged people to stay alert.
- Footage from NHK showed a fast‑moving, brown river sweeping through parts of Kyoto, highlighting the flood danger.
Impact on Industry
- Toyota halted production at a Kyushu plant after heavy rain made roads impassable.
- Nissan announced it would shut down some assembly lines in the same area.
- The Japanese military postponed the maiden flight of a V‑22 Osprey transport plane to Miyako Island, which was part of a joint exercise with the United States.
Taiwan’s Experience
- More than 1,600 people were evacuated from homes, schools, and offices as Mekkhala dumped torrential rain across Taiwan.
- Mountainous areas in Hualien, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung saw up to 88 cm of rain since Thursday, raising fears of debris flows.
- Some residents downstream of a newly discovered reservoir in Hualien have left their homes, and several railway lines have been suspended.
Staying Safe
- Keep an eye on local weather alerts and follow evacuation orders if issued.
- Avoid driving through flooded roads—just a few inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
- Secure loose items outside your home that could become projectiles in strong winds.
- If you live near rivers or slopes, prepare an emergency kit with water, food, flashlights, and a battery‑powered radio.
Conclusion
While no fatalities have been reported so far, the combined threat of Mekkhala and Higos is causing widespread disruption across Japan and Taiwan. Flight cancellations, factory shutdowns, and mass evacuations show how powerful these storms can be. By staying informed and prepared, communities can reduce the risks and keep everyone safe until the weather clears.
