Introduction:
Tropical Storm Mawar unleashed heavy rains over Japan's main archipelago, resulting in widespread disruptions to transportation, potential flooding, and mudslide threats. With warnings issued across western and central Japan, authorities urged residents in vulnerable areas to take precautions and seek shelter at evacuation centers. The storm's impact was felt across various regions, causing train delays, flight cancellations, and injuries. This article provides an overview of the situation and highlights the damages caused by Tropical Storm Mawar.
Intensifying Rains and Warnings:
As Tropical Storm Mawar swept through Japan, it brought heavy rainfall, particularly affecting the south and western regions. Meteorological forecasts predicted up to 35 centimeters of rain within a 24-hour period until Saturday morning. Consequently, warnings were issued, emphasizing the risk of flooding and mudslides in vulnerable areas such as Wakayama, Kochi, and Nagano. Residents were advised to evacuate to designated centers for their safety.
Rising Waters and Transport Disruptions:
The impact of the storm was evident as swollen rivers overflowed in Wakayama city, where brown water rose perilously close to the bottom of a bridge. In Tokyo, the rain-soaked streets saw a scarcity of pedestrians seeking shelter under umbrellas while gusty winds stirred fallen tree branches. The inclement weather forced the cancellation of afternoon classes in some Tokyo schools. Moreover, the Central Japan Railway Co. suspended or delayed Shinkansen super-express trains between Tokyo and Okayama due to the heavy rainfall. Flights and ferry services in southern Japan were also canceled due to persistent strong winds.
Injuries and Storm's Path:
Although Mawar remained offshore in the Pacific Ocean, its winds were powerful enough to cause injuries as it passed near Okinawa. Nishihara city reported a serious head injury suffered by an elderly woman who fell due to the storm. Additionally, seven other individuals sustained minor injuries. As of Friday afternoon, the storm exhibited sustained winds of up to 82kph, moving east-northeast at a speed of 25kph. Mawar hovered near Amami-Oshima Island, approximately 1,500 kilometers southwest of Tokyo.
Devastation in Other Regions:
Prior to its impact on Japan, Mawar had affected other areas in its path. Taiwan experienced crashing waves along its east coast and heavy rainfall, while the northern Philippines encountered the storm's downpours. Fortunately, no major damage was reported in these regions.
Previous Impacts on Guam:
Before reaching Japan, Mawar battered Guam as the strongest typhoon to hit the island in over two decades. As of Wednesday, recovery efforts were underway, with only 28 percent of power restored and around half of the water system operational. Residents faced long queues for gas, and authorities estimated that it would take four to six weeks to fully restore power. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was still assessing the extent of the destruction caused by the storm.
Conclusion:
Tropical Storm Mawar unleashed heavy rains over Japan, causing disruptions to transportation and posing threats of flooding and mudslides. With warnings issued in several regions, residents were advised to evacuate to designated centers for their safety. The storm's impact included train delays, flight cancellations, injuries, and property damage. As recovery efforts continue, affected areas will work towards restoring normalcy and rebuilding the communities affected by Tropical Storm Mawar.