Nearly 200,000 residents in western Japan were urged to evacuate on Saturday, November 2, as the remnants of Typhoon Kong-rey brought torrential rain and the risk of landslides and flooding. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued top-level alerts as heavy rainfall, intensified by warm, moist air, raised the likelihood of severe flooding and landslides across affected areas. Local authorities acted quickly to urge residents to move to safety in the face of one of the season’s most serious rainfall events, a stark reminder of the increasing intensity of storms influenced by climate change.
Typhoon Kong-rey, one of the most powerful storms to hit Taiwan in decades, had previously battered the island before its remnants reached Japan. Striking Taiwan on Thursday, the typhoon left a trail of destruction with winds that tore through buildings, knocked down trees, and disrupted power for nearly a million households. As of Saturday, 27,781 households were still awaiting power restoration. Tragically, the typhoon claimed at least three lives, including a migrant worker, and injured 690 individuals. Taiwan’s National Fire Agency reported that Kong-rey was among the most damaging storms in recent memory.
The storm’s impact in Taiwan exemplified the increased ferocity of tropical systems affecting the region, driven by rising ocean temperatures and shifting climate patterns. According to meteorologists, the typhoon carried an unusually large volume of moisture, contributing to its capacity to trigger heavy rains even as it weakened over time.
As the storm’s remnants moved toward Japan, the Japan Meteorological Agency tracked Kong-rey’s downgraded status as an extratropical low-pressure system. Despite the downgrade, the JMA warned that significant hazards were still possible, particularly with the presence of “warm, moist air” causing thunderstorms across western regions. Matsuyama city officials responded by issuing a top-level evacuation warning, advising 189,552 residents across 10 districts to evacuate immediately.
City officials emphasized that although evacuation was not mandatory, the warning’s urgency should not be underestimated. The top-level warning was a clear signal that the risk of disaster was very high, meaning the probability of floods, landslides, or both was almost certain in some areas. “Our focus is ensuring that people secure their safety and that no lives are lost,” a city representative stated, echoing a sentiment that is tragically familiar in Japan, which often faces severe weather-related challenges.
The persistent rain also disrupted transportation, notably affecting the Shinkansen bullet train service between Tokyo and Fukuoka, a major transit corridor in Japan. As rain intensified in the early morning, the trains were briefly suspended, stranding hundreds of travelers and causing delays that rippled through other public transportation systems. By mid-morning, services had resumed on a delayed schedule, but officials warned that disruptions might continue as the storm’s effects unfolded.
Airlines and highway authorities also took preventive measures, with flights being canceled and certain sections of highways temporarily closed due to the risk of flooding and landslides. Travelers were advised to check real-time updates as weather conditions continued to affect regional transit systems.
Japan’s geographical position makes it especially vulnerable to natural disasters, with typhoons, earthquakes, and tsunamis posing continual threats. Western Japan, in particular, has experienced devastating typhoons in recent years, with significant loss of life and property. The summer of 2018 saw torrential rain and landslides in western regions, leading to the deaths of more than 200 people, and these incidents remain fresh in the minds of both citizens and officials. The repeated cycle of disaster and recovery has fostered a culture of preparedness, as evidenced by the rapid response and coordinated efforts by the Japanese authorities in the face of Kong-rey.
In Matsuyama, shelters were opened, and city officials organized emergency response teams to assist residents needing help evacuating, particularly the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Volunteers and disaster relief organizations have mobilized to assist evacuees, providing necessities and support in temporary shelters.
The impact of climate change on typhoon intensity is a growing area of concern among scientists and policymakers. Research suggests that warmer sea temperatures contribute to stronger and wetter typhoons, with more destructive potential upon landfall. This increased moisture can lead to extreme rainfall events, as witnessed during Kong-rey, which brings greater risks of flash floods and landslides. Japan, with its mountainous terrain, is especially vulnerable to these hazards.
“Every degree of warming increases the atmosphere’s capacity to hold moisture, and this leads to more intense rainfall when storms occur,” explained Dr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, a climatologist specializing in extreme weather events. “The increased likelihood of severe rain events means that the threat level for communities in vulnerable areas is significantly higher than it was even a decade ago.” According to Nakagawa, Japan’s typhoon season has shifted over the past years, with storms reaching farther north than before, often affecting regions previously considered low-risk.
The Japanese government has invested heavily in climate resilience strategies, from improved flood control measures to community-based early warning systems. However, as typhoons become more unpredictable and powerful, officials face challenges in keeping up with the frequency and severity of such events.
In response to the evacuation warnings, local communities have activated their disaster response plans. Schools and community centers in Matsuyama have transformed into emergency shelters, providing residents with refuge from the storm. Authorities distributed food, blankets, and medical supplies, with the support of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces who were deployed to assist in relief efforts.
The Japanese Red Cross also joined the mobilization, deploying staff and resources to assist displaced families. Evacuees were reminded to bring essentials such as water, medication, and identification documents, as they could expect to remain in shelters until conditions stabilize. “Our goal is to keep everyone safe and provide a supportive environment as they await updates on their homes and neighborhoods,” said a spokesperson for the Red Cross.
In rural areas, residents took additional precautions by reinforcing their homes and sandbagging areas vulnerable to water infiltration. Many also took heed of disaster preparation advice distributed by local government offices, including securing critical belongings, preparing go-bags, and ensuring communication channels remained open with family members.
As Kong-rey’s remnants continue to move eastward, eastern Japan is expected to experience increased rainfall and possible flooding on Sunday. Forecasts indicate that regions around Tokyo may also experience heavy rain, and residents have been advised to stay alert for updates from the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Authorities are also carefully monitoring river levels in case emergency flood control measures become necessary. Emergency alerts will be disseminated via mobile networks, television, and radio broadcasts, a practice that has proven effective in reaching large populations quickly during past crises.
Meteorologists have cautioned that even weakened storms such as Kong-rey’s remnants can unleash significant rainfall, underscoring the importance of remaining vigilant until weather conditions fully stabilize. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly near rivers, mountainsides, and low-lying areas where the risk of landslides remains highest.
