Japanese Islands Struck by Two Successive Tropical Storms

The Izu Islands have faced yet another severe impact as Typhoon Nakri swept through the area on Monday, coming just after storm Halong, which hit seven days prior.

Immediate Impact on Hachijojima Island

Local authorities on Hachijojima noted interruptions and destruction to approximately 220 residences after the typhoon brought 37mm (1.5in) of rain in one hour and wind bursts reaching 95mph. Flight services were interrupted, public facilities harmed, and intense rains caused ground slides across the island chain. The typhoon also produced waves as high as 9 meters, creating dangerous coastal conditions. Near Oiso on the Pacific side, in Kanagawa prefecture, three fishermen were carried off by waves, with one fatality reported.

Nakri's Transformation

The storm has since shifted into an extratropical cyclone, weakening as it moved eastwards over chilled northern Pacific seas, with wind speeds dropping to about 65mph as of Thursday. Riding the jet stream, its remnants are on track to reach British Columbia, Canada, delivering intense precipitation, powerful gusts, and coastal flooding.

Recalling Halong's Fury

A week earlier, Halong discharged over 200mm of precipitation within three hours, as peak wind speeds hit 122mph. By the late morning of the previous Thursday, precipitation levels climbed to 349mm, shattering the 24-hour record. The storm's leftovers then traveled over the northern Pacific and reached Alaska on Sunday, causing an unprecedented 2-meter coastal surge.

Alaska's Severe Damage

The coastal villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were the most affected. A single fatality occurred, homes were destroyed, and about 1,500 residents were forced into shelters. Alaska experienced an historic mass evacuation by air to evacuate displaced residents. Halong remains one of the most powerful storms the region has experienced. Its rapid intensification was driven by unusually warm north Pacific waters, which provided extra heat and moisture.

Twin Disasters in Mexico

At the same time, the nation endured a double blow last week as the leftovers of Priscilla and Raymond converged, releasing nearly 609mm of precipitation over four days across the central and eastern areas. Steered by a dip in the jet stream, both systems hit the same area in quick succession. The first deluge from Priscilla made the soil waterlogged, worsening floods as Raymond approached. More than 300 communities were affected by landslides and overflowing rivers. As of Wednesday, 66 people have been confirmed dead and 75 remain missing. Search and relief efforts persist, with stagnant floodwaters raising health concerns in isolated areas.

Nicole Sparks
Nicole Sparks

A seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience covering political and social issues across Europe.