New Typhoon Surigae threatens Okinawa days after deadly Dujuan

Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture is bracing for rough seas and strengthening winds from Sunday as another typhoon approaches, days after Typhoon Dujuan brought severe flooding and landslides to areas near Tokyo.

As of 9 a.m. local time on Saturday, September 26, Typhoon Surigae, the 26th typhoon of the season, was over waters south of Okinawa and moving northwest at 10 km per hour. The storm had a central pressure of 996 hectopascals and maximum gusts of 126 km per hour, NHK reported, citing the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Surigae is expected to strengthen as it moves north toward Okinawa. Winds are forecast to intensify gradually, with very strong winds and rough seas possible on Sunday. Authorities have urged residents to watch for high waves and take precautions as conditions deteriorate.

Meanwhile, a seasonal rain front is expected to bring rainfall across a broad stretch of eastern and western Japan on Saturday. Residents, particularly in the Kanto region, have been warned to remain alert for landslides and other weather-related disasters.

Kanto is still dealing with the aftermath of Typhoon Dujuan, the season’s 25th typhoon, which struck Japan’s eastern Pacific coast earlier this week. The storm brought record rainfall, landslides and river flooding to areas near Tokyo.

By Friday night, 12 people had died and three remained missing in Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures, while about 9,000 households were still without electricity. Landslides and fallen trees blocked roads across wide areas, complicating recovery efforts and preventing crews in some locations from inspecting damaged facilities.

Japan’s authorities are therefore facing a new weather threat even as recovery from Dujuan continues, with Okinawa now preparing for the arrival of Surigae.

By Tamilla Hasanova