Possible Disruptions to Shinkansen and Aircraft Operations
Impact Zone Until the 13th Following Landfall in Tohoku Region on the 12th
The 5th typhoon of the season, 'Maria,' is expected to make landfall in the Tohoku region of northeastern Honshu tomorrow (12th), bringing heavy rain.
According to local public broadcaster NHK and Kyodo News on the 11th, Typhoon Maria is maintaining its strength over the Pacific Ocean and moving northwest toward the Tohoku region. As of noon that day, the central pressure was 980 hPa (hectopascals).
The typhoon is forecasted to make landfall in the Tohoku region on the 12th and move northwest, exiting the Japanese archipelago. From the night of the 12th through the 13th, strong winds and heavy rain are expected in Iwate Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, Aomori Prefecture, and other areas. It was added that if the typhoon moves slowly, the Tohoku region could remain under the typhoon's influence on the 14th as well.
NHK reported that record-breaking heavy rain exceeding the average total rainfall for August could fall along the Pacific coast of the Tohoku region during this period. The amount of rain expected within 24 hours in the northeastern area could reach up to 300 mm. The Japan Meteorological Agency urged people to be especially cautious of landslides, flooding, and river overflows.
Evacuation information requesting elderly residents to evacuate was issued for Iwaizumi Town (岩泉町) and Tanohata Village (田野畑村) in Iwate Prefecture. Evacuation shelters have been set up in gymnasiums and schools in some parts of Iwate Prefecture.
Kyodo News stated, "This typhoon is expected to cause transportation disruptions and affect citizens' daily lives," noting that Shinkansen high-speed trains and flights may be delayed or canceled.
Following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Miyazaki Prefecture in southern Kyushu Island on the 8th, warnings of a possible major earthquake have been issued. Amid the consecutive arrival of typhoon news, anxiety among Japanese citizens is growing. NHK changed the fixed subtitle on the left side of the screen, which previously read 'Nankai Trough Major Earthquake Warning' after the Miyagi Prefecture earthquake, to 'Typhoon No. 5 Tohoku Landfall' to draw attention.
At a large supermarket in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, a special corner selling disaster prevention supplies has been set up, attracting continuous visitors. Tools for securing furniture and water were displayed there, and most of these items were reported sold out by the evening of the following day.
According to the Sankei Shimbun, about 100 portable toilet-related items for use when water supply is unavailable were sold within an hour at a supermarket in Miyazaki City, north of Nichinan City.
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