On December 18, 2024, Japan experienced the impact of a severe typhoon, which has been classified as one of the strongest storms to hit the region in recent years. The typhoon, named Typhoon Kira, made landfall in the southern part of the country, bringing with it intense winds and heavy rainfall.
Authorities reported wind speeds exceeding 180 km/h (112 mph), causing significant damage to infrastructure, including power lines and buildings. Over 1 million residents were advised to evacuate from coastal areas prone to flooding and landslides.
Emergency services have been deployed across the affected regions to assist with evacuations and to provide aid to those impacted by the storm. The Japanese government has declared a state of emergency in several prefectures, mobilizing resources to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
As of the latest updates, at least 500,000 households are without power, and transportation services, including rail and air travel, have been severely disrupted. Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams working tirelessly to reach those stranded due to the adverse weather conditions.
Experts warn that climate change may be contributing to the increasing intensity of typhoons in the region, urging for more robust disaster preparedness measures in the future.