Japan has been placed on high alert as two tropical storms, Mekkhala and Higos, approach, causing widespread transport disruptions and raising fears of landslides and flooding. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for nearly one million residents in vulnerable areas, while airlines and rail operators have suspended services to ensure public safety.
Over 200 flights have been cancelled, including major routes operated by Japan Airlines and ANA, while dozens of train services and several expressways have been shut down due to heavy rains and strong winds. Industrial operations in Kyushu have also been affected, with companies like Toyota and Nissan temporarily halting production because of road closures and supply chain interruptions.
Meteorologists warn that the combined impact of the two storms could intensify rainfall and complicate forecasts due to the Fujiwhara effect, where storms influence each other’s path. Mekkhala, which earlier disrupted life in Taiwan, is now moving across western Japan, while Higos is expected to approach eastern Japan over the weekend.
Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant as swollen rivers, landslide risks, and flooding continue to threaten communities. The storms highlight Japan’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, with authorities stressing the importance of preparedness and international cooperation in disaster response.
