Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued rain and landslide alerts today for regions in Southern and Western Japan ahead of Typhoon Mekkhala’s onset.
Japan Weather Update: Recently, Taiwan faced heavy rains and storm winds due to the passing Typhoon Mekkhala. Now the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned of floods and landslides in multiple prefectures.
Japan Weather Update: JMA’s Latest Forecast
This morning, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the state weather agency of Japan issued high level flood and landslide alerts for its southern and western part. It also issued evacuation orders for over 2.2 million residents. No tsunami alerts have been raised.
Typhoon Mekkhala, which originated in the Philippines Sea and is currently hovering over neighbouring Taiwan is expected to reach the Pacific coast of Japan soon.
Did Taiwan’s Stormy Weather Trigger Alert in Japan?
Taiwan recently faced turbulent weather in its southern part, which led to flooding, offices becoming closed and travel disruptions but no casualties were reported. So, did Taiwan’s stormy weather trigger the flood and landslide alerts in neighbouring Japan?
According to the JMA, that was a big factor, with other causes including the Typhoon Mekkhala and a stationary seasonal rain front that combined with warm, moist areas.
Japan Weather Update: Affected Areas
The following areas of Japan will most likely be affected by Typhoon Mekkhala:
- Okinawa
- Kyushu region
- Shikoku region
- Tokai region
- Ryukyu island
- Osaka prefecture
- Kyoto prefecture
Impact of the Storm
Typhoon Mekkhala’s intensity will weaken by the time it enters Japanese territory. However, it could lead to travel disruptions, power cuts and flooding of roads. People in the coastal areas of Southern Japan and Western Japan should remain vigilant
What is Typhoon Mekkhala?
Typhoon 7, officially named Typhoon Mekkhala is a strong typhoon that originated east of Luzon in the Philippines. Due to its high intensity, (925 hectopascals), it was initially categorised as ‘very strong’.
But by the time it reaches Japanese shores, the typhoon’s intensity will most likely reduce. While climatologists are still studying it, warm sea surface temperatures, low wind shears and the ongoing El Nino are most likely to be its causes.
Japan Weather Update: Typhoons Advisory
While Typhoon Mekkhala will weaken by the time it reaches Japan, residents in Okinawa, Southern Japan and Western Japan should keep the following precautionary measures in mind:
- Stay indoors.
- Keep torches and other sources of backup ready, as there may be power cuts.
- Maintain emergency stock of food, water and first aid.
- Always be aware of the nearest evacuation routes and relief shelters around you.
- Keep following the guidelines of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the disaster management ministry.
- Remember to check on vulnerable people like children and the elderly.
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