Deadly Storms Trigger Mass Evacuations Across Japan and Taiwan
Tropical storms Mekkhala and Higos have unleashed severe weather across East Asia, forcing authorities in Japan to order over a million people to evacuate their homes. As the systems move toward the Japanese archipelago, officials are bracing for intense rainfall, flooding, and potential landslides across major regions including Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. The situation is further complicated by the "Fujiwhara effect," an atmospheric phenomenon occurring as the two storms interact, which makes predicting their future path and intensity significantly more challenging. So far, Japan has reported several injuries and the suspension of major airline flights and automotive manufacturing operations.
Meanwhile, the impact in Taiwan has been devastating, with at least two people confirmed dead following widespread flooding and landslides. Tragically, a 73-year-old woman lost her life after being swept away in Kaohsiung, while another woman was found deceased inside a submerged vehicle in Hsinchu. As mountain areas face the threat of dangerous debris flows, local authorities have evacuated over 1,600 residents and shuttered schools and offices to protect the public. With nearly a meter of rain recorded in some parts of the island since Thursday, disaster response teams remain on high alert as they navigate the aftermath of the torrential downpours.