Okinawa and other islands in southwestern Japan were hit hard by Typhoon Khanun, a powerful storm that caused widespread damage and injuries, ABC news reported. The typhoon made its presence felt on August 2, bringing with it high winds and heavy rains, resulting in over 30 people being injured and leaving nearly 200,000 homes without power.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued warnings as the typhoon approached the region, cautioning residents about the potential impacts. With surface winds reaching up to 162 kph (100 mph), Khanun posed a significant threat to the islands. The storm's name, which means "jackfruit" in Thai, echoed its destructive potential as it swept across the area.
As the typhoon continued on its westward path, Okinawa bore the brunt of its force. The Okinawa prefectural government reported 34 injuries, with three people in critical condition. Several homes were damaged, and one unfortunate incident in Ogimi village resulted in the death of a 90-year-old man when a garage collapsed on him, likely due to the violent winds. Authorities are investigating whether his death was directly caused by the typhoon.
Transportation and daily activities came to a halt as the storm battered the region. Domestic and international flights at Naha Airport were canceled, and various forms of public transportation, including buses, light rail transit systems, and ferries, were suspended for safety reasons. Hospitals were forced to focus solely on emergency cases, limiting their usual operations.
In addition to the injuries and property damage, the typhoon's strong winds caused significant power outages, affecting approximately 30% of Okinawa's homes. The Okinawa Electric Power Company worked tirelessly to restore electricity, but the task remained challenging amid the ongoing storm conditions.
As Typhoon Khanun continued its trajectory toward the East China Sea, there were concerns that it might change course and return to Japan later in the week. The Japan Meteorological Agency closely monitored the typhoon's movements and urged residents to remain cautious and vigilant.
With up to 20 centimeters of rainfall expected in the Okinawa region by midday August 3, the agency issued further warnings regarding the risk of flying objects due to the violent winds. Residents were advised to stay indoors and away from windows until the storm passed.
As the typhoon approached mainland China, authorities there were also taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of residents in its potential path. The storm's trajectory remained uncertain, making it crucial for both Japan and China to stay alert and prepared for any potential changes in its course.
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