Super Typhoon Shanshan begins to hit Japan, causing a lot of damage and forcing major companies to close.

A special typhoon warning has been issued for most areas of Kagoshima Prefecture, with public transport operators cancelling trains and flights, the agency said. A special typhoon warning is issued in the event of a very strong typhoon system.

The operator JR Kyushu said the suspension would include all bullet train and other train services on the island by Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways will cancel many flights to and from airports in the area.

Path and area of ​​influence of super typhoon Shanshan. (Source: Japan Meteorological Agency)

As of 5 a.m. Thursday, the storm was moving north at 15 kilometers per hour and was located about 30 kilometers southwest of Satsumasendai with winds of up to 252 kilometers per hour, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. It had a barometric pressure of 935 hectopascals at its center.

At least nine people were injured as of Wednesday by the typhoon, according to the prefectural governments of Kagoshima and neighboring Miyazaki. In nearby Aichi prefecture, the Gamagori city office confirmed that three people died and two others were injured after a landslide hit their home.

Toyota Motor Corp. and other major automakers said they would suspend operations at some plants on Thursday, mostly in areas affected by the storm.

Residents in areas affected by the storm have been warned to prepare for strong winds as well as high tides and waves, while the weather agency urged people to be ready to evacuate before conditions worsen.

Up to 600mm of rain is expected in 24 hours in some areas of Kyushu. The agency said the storm's slow pace could increase the danger as strong winds and heavy rain could linger in some areas for an extended period.

High waves are seen along the coast as Typhoon Shanshan approaches southwestern Japan in Makurazaki, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan on August 28, 2024. Photo: Kyodo

Earlier, southwestern Japan was bracing on Wednesday for what officials said could be one of the strongest typhoons ever to hit the region. Special typhoon warnings were issued in case of an extremely strong storm system.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for more than 800,000 residents in Kagoshima prefecture, southern Kyushu island, and Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures, central Japan.

Toyota said it would suspend operations at all 14 of its plants in Japan from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning. Nissan said it would suspend operations at its Kyushu plant on Thursday and Friday morning, while Honda will also temporarily close its plant in Kumamoto, southwest of Kyushu.

Additionally, Mazda said it plans to suspend operations at its plants in Hiroshima and Hofu, both in western Japan, from Thursday evening to Friday.

All Nippon Airways said it would cancel a total of more than 210 domestic flights to the affected area from Wednesday to Friday, affecting about 18,400 passengers. Japan Airlines said it would cancel 402 domestic flights. A total of 10 international flights operated by both airlines will also be suspended.

Hoang Anh (according to Kyodo, NHK, Reuters)

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