Tropical storm injures dozens, disrupts transport, power supply across Japan

Tropical Storm Jangmi swept across southwestern Japan, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and widespread disruption, with authorities warning that dangerous weather conditions could extend into central and eastern regions, Japan Times reports.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the storm was moving toward Kyushu before tracking northeast along the southern coast of Honshu. As of 4 p.m. June 2, Jangmi—designated Typhoon No. 6 in Japan—was located about 30 kilometres north of Tanegashima Island and traveling northeast at 35 kilometres per hour. The storm had a central pressure of 980 hectopascals, with sustained winds of up to 25 metres per second and gusts reaching 35 metres per second.

Local media reported that at least 16 people were injured as the storm battered affected areas. Nearly 48,000 households in Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures were left without electricity, while transportation networks suffered significant disruptions.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said power outages had impacted approximately 48,000 homes in the two prefectures, while expressways, rail services and maritime routes were also affected. A total of 331 flights, primarily serving the Kyushu region, were canceled on June 2. In addition, 64 ferry and maritime routes operated by 57 companies were suspended across the Kinki, Shikoku, Kyushu and Okinawa regions.

In Miyazaki Prefecture, authorities issued a Level 4 flood warning for the Hiroto River in the city of Nichinan after torrential rainfall caused water levels to rise dangerously. Under the warning system, residents in at-risk areas are urged to evacuate immediately. Officials noted that it was the first Level 4 flood warning issued since Japan introduced a revised alert framework last week.

The storm caused flooding, fallen trees and damage to at least 15 buildings in Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures, according to NHK.

Kihara said the government was coordinating closely with local authorities to gather information, assess damage and conduct emergency response operations. He also warned that transportation services in the Tokyo metropolitan area could face disruptions from June 3 morning.

“In areas affected by the storm, we ask people to pay close attention to evacuation information issued by local governments, evacuate early where necessary and remain vigilant while taking action to protect their lives,” he said.

Meteorologists warned of violent winds, high waves, storm surges, landslides and river flooding. Some areas were expected to receive torrential rainfall, with precipitation totals reaching up to 350 millimetres in parts of central Japan. Wave heights of up to nine metres were also forecast in southern Kyushu and the Izu Islands as authorities urged residents to remain alert.

By Vafa Guliyeva