Typhoon Shanshan Slams Southern Japan, Leaving 3 Dead and 28 Injured

The strongest typhoon of the year, Shanshan, struck southern Japan on Thursday, bringing torrential rains and powerful winds that left at least three people dead and 28 injured, local authorities reported. Prior to the typhoon’s arrival, heavy rainfall on Tuesday night triggered a landslide that buried a home in Gamagori, central Japan, killing three members of a family and injuring two others, according to the city’s disaster management department. Authorities in Miyazaki prefecture reported 26 injuries, including 10 caused by a tornado, and over 150 damaged buildings. Most injuries resulted from broken windows or falling objects due to strong winds. On the southern island of Amami, where the typhoon had already passed, a person was injured after being swept away by a gust of wind while riding a motorcycle, according to the Japanese Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Shanshan made landfall near Satsumasendai, southern Kyushu, Japan’s second-largest island with a population of 12.5 million, around 8:00 am local time. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) predicted up to 60 centimeters of rainfall in 24 hours in Kyushu and issued the highest level of alert for strong winds and high waves.