TOKYO: Typhoon Shanshan is advancing toward southern Japan, bringing heavy rain and significant disruptions to transportation. The typhoon, with wind gusts reaching up to 216 kilometers per hour (135 miles per hour), is currently targeting the southern Amami archipelago.
The severe weather led to the suspension of bullet train services between Hamamatsu and Toyohashi, with operations resuming at 09:15 am local time (0015 GMT). Other high-speed and local train services have also experienced delays, according to Central Japan Railway and West Japan Railway operators.
Japan Airlines announced the cancellation of 116 domestic flights for Tuesday and Wednesday, in addition to six international flights. The Japan Meteorological Agency has advised residents to evacuate dangerous areas due to heavy rain and potential landslides in Shizuoka and high waves in the Amami region.
Typhoon Shanshan is expected to shift towards the southern island of Kyushu later this week. This storm follows Typhoon Ampil, which earlier this month disrupted hundreds of flights and trains but caused only minor damage and injuries along the Pacific coast past Tokyo. It also follows Tropical Storm Maria, which brought record rainfall to northern Japan.
Recent studies indicate that typhoons in the region are forming closer to coastlines, intensifying more rapidly, and lingering longer over land due to climate change.
