Japan’s Shanshan brings major losses

The typhoon reached peak intensity on 27 August.

Typhoon Shanshan, the 11th named tropical cyclone in the western Pacific this year, has weakened as it moves over Japan’s Kyushu Island toward Shikoku and Honshu. Economic and insured losses are estimated to reach hundreds of millions of dollars, according to Aon.

Shanshan developed into a typhoon on August 24 in the Philippine Sea, later strengthening as it moved northwest toward Japan. 

The typhoon reached peak intensity on 27 August, with winds of 215 kph (135 mph), equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane. However, interactions with dry air and land began to weaken the storm as it approached Kyushu.

Transportation has been severely impacted, with many train routes suspended and hundreds of flights cancelled. At least 237,000 customers have lost power. A significant landslide near Gamagori in Aichi Prefecture destroyed a residence, resulting in three deaths and two injuries.