Over 1 Million People Urged To Evacuate As Powerful Typhoon Brings Strong Winds And Heavy Rain

Typhoon Shanshan makes landfall in southern Japan, prompting evacuation orders

Over 1 million people urged to evacuate as powerful typhoon brings strong winds and heavy rain

Typhoon Shanshan is the 10th typhoon of the 2023 Pacific typhoon season

Typhoon Shanshan made landfall in Kyushu, Japan's southernmost island, at around 8 a.m. local time on Thursday, the country's meteorological agency said. The typhoon is bringing strong winds and heavy rain to the region, and more than 1 million people have been urged to evacuate.

As of Thursday morning, Typhoon Shanshan was moving slowly northward off the southwest coast of Japan. The maximum sustained wind speed was forecast to reach around 180 kilometers per hour (112 miles per hour).

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a warning for heavy rain and strong winds in Kyushu and parts of western Japan. The agency said that rainfall could exceed 500 millimeters (19.7 inches) in some areas.

Local authorities have issued evacuation orders for more than 1 million people in Kyushu. The orders affect residents in low-lying areas and those living near rivers and streams.

Typhoon Shanshan is the 10th typhoon of the 2023 Pacific typhoon season. The season typically runs from May to November, with the peak months being August and September.