Japan is facing the threat of a powerful typhoon as authorities on Kyushu and Honshu islands have ordered evacuations and carmaker Toyota has suspended operations at 14 plants. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued an emergency warning as Typhoon Shanshan approaches the southwest, with estimated wind speeds of up to 250km/h (155mph). Evacuation orders have been issued for over 800,000 residents in various prefectures, with authorities warning of violent winds and high waves.
Carmaker Toyota has announced the suspension of operations at all 14 plants from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning. Japan Airlines and ANA have cancelled hundreds of flights affecting about 25,000 people, while Kyushu Railway has suspended some bullet train services. In addition, postal and delivery services have been halted in the Kyushu region, and supermarkets and stores are closing early.
The typhoon follows Typhoon Ampil and Tropical Storm Maria, which also caused blackouts and evacuations earlier this month. A study released last month suggested that typhoons in the region are intensifying more rapidly and lasting longer over land due to climate change. Disaster Management Minister Yoshifumi Matsumura is urging residents in the predicted path of Typhoon Shanshan to take precautionary measures and save their own lives. As the typhoon approaches Tokyo and other regions over the next few days, residents are advised to stay informed and stay safe.
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