Typhoon Khanun is posing a significant threat as it is predicted to make a U-turn and unleash more rain on the Japan archipelago. The typhoon’s current position is between the waters of China and Japan’s southwestern islands, and it has already caused havoc in the region. Notably, it knocked out power in Okinawa and other islands of the archipelago, creating disruptions and damage.
As the typhoon approaches, China and Taiwan have been put on high alert, and authorities in both countries are making preparations to brace for the storm’s impact. Taiwan’s port city of Keelung, near Taipei, experienced light rains, and the coast guards advised people to stay away from the beach areas. The island shut its financial markets, and some northern cities closed offices and schools in anticipation of worsening weather on the northeastern coast.
In China, weather authorities have issued rainstorm alerts for the eastern coast, calling ships into port and halting passenger ferry services in Zhejiang province. The situation has raised concerns, especially for China, which is already reeling from the aftermath of an earlier typhoon that caused deadly flooding and damage in Beijing.
Fortunately, the forecast indicates that the eye of Typhoon Khanun is likely to stay away from the coast, potentially sparing China from a double whammy. However, caution remains paramount as the storm’s trajectory may still change.
In Okinawa, the typhoon has already caused injuries to 41 people, with three of them in serious condition, according to the prefectural government. At one point, nearly 220,000 homes, or about 30% of those in Okinawa, were left without power due to the typhoon’s impact.
Despite the severity of the situation, there are some positive developments. Wind warnings for the main Okinawa Island have been lifted, allowing for some relief for the affected residents. Public transit systems that closed during the storm are now resuming operations, and flights in and out of Naha Airport are expected to gradually resume.
As the situation unfolds, the Japan weather agency and relevant authorities in China and Taiwan are closely monitoring Typhoon Khanun’s movements and providing timely updates to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the affected regions. The impact of the typhoon highlights the importance of preparedness and effective response measures in dealing with such natural disasters.
