Typhoon Khanun made a dramatic landfall on the southeast coast of South Korea on August 10, following a path of destruction through southern Japan over the past week. This powerful storm has prompted authorities in both countries to issue warnings, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and the evacuation of thousands of residents.
In Japan, Khanun brought torrential rains and strong winds to the southern regions, causing widespread disruptions and damage. Some areas experienced an astonishing 985 mm of rainfall, well surpassing the average for August. The heavy downpours triggered floods and landslides, leaving residents grappling with the aftermath.
South Korea was not spared from Khanun's fury either. The storm has unleashed heavy rain and fierce winds upon the east coast, with areas in Gyeongsang Province and Jeju Island experiencing wind speeds of up to 90 kph (55.92 mph).
South Korea's weather agency reported rainfall rates of up to 60 mm per hour in these regions. The storm's approach prompted the relocation of over 10,000 people to safer areas and forced the suspension of outdoor activities, including the World Scout Jamboree, where around 37,000 scouts had to be moved from their campsite.
More than 1,500 schools in South Korea have either adjusted their schedules or closed entirely due to Typhoon Khanun, with 877 institutions transitioning to remote learning. The country is still grappling with the aftermath of last month's intense monsoon rains, which claimed the lives of more than 40 individuals through floods and landslides.
North Korea, too, has been on high alert as Khanun marches northward. The capital city of Pyongyang is bracing for impact, with preparations including the deployment of sandbags and pumps in vulnerable areas. The KCNA state news agency reported these measures, underscoring the seriousness with which North Korea is taking the approaching storm.
Despite the immediate threat of Typhoon Khanun, attention is now shifting to another weather system, Typhoon Lan. This storm skirted past the Ogasawara Islands, located approximately 1,000 km south of Tokyo, late on August 9. While its trajectory remains uncertain, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warns that Typhoon Lan could potentially impact the Tokyo area by the end of the weekend. This ominous forecast has raised concerns, particularly during Obon, Japan's major summer holiday period when many individuals travel back to their hometowns.
The double impact of Typhoon Khanun in South Korea and Japan, along with the looming threat of Typhoon Lan, underscores the vulnerability of these regions to the unpredictable forces of nature. As communities brace for potential further damage, emergency response teams remain on high alert, ready to assist those affected and mitigate the impact of these powerful storms.
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