Japan cancels 120 flights as twin storms approach

Lead

Japan is bracing for the arrival of two tropical storms approaching from different directions, prompting airlines to cancel flights, authorities to advise evacuations, and companies to suspend operations. Severe tropical storm Mekkhala and tropical storm Higos are both moving toward the Japanese archipelago, with the potential for the two systems to interact in a phenomenon known as the Fujiwhara effect.

Coverage Comparison

Reports on the scale of flight cancellations differ. Deutsche Welle reported that Japan canceled more than 200 flights and suspended dozens of train services as the country braced for the storms. In contrast, the South China Morning Post and The Hindu reported that Japanese airlines cancelled more than 100 flights. A single source attributed to the Hindu noted that Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways cancelled 70 and 50 flights respectively, totaling 120 flights to and from Okinawa and Kagoshima.

All sources agree that tropical storms Mekkhala and Higos were approaching Japan. Mekkhala, which was downgraded from a typhoon to a severe tropical storm, was still packing wind gusts of up to 144 km/h (89 mph), according to forecasters. Heavy rain was already affecting parts of southern and western Japan.

While Deutsche Welle reported that around 1 million people were advised to leave their homes as a precaution amid fear of landslides, the South China Morning Post and The Hindu focused on the Kyoto region, where several thousand residents were advised to evacuate due to potential landslides. The Hindu also noted that officials in Kyoto and Osaka warned of rising river levels and the threat of flooding.

Key Claims

• Flight cancellations: Reports vary, with Deutsche Welle citing more than 200 flights canceled, while the South China Morning Post and The Hindu reported over 100. The Hindu specified that Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways canceled 120 flights to and from Okinawa and Kagoshima.
• Storm status: Mekkhala was downgraded from a typhoon to a severe tropical storm, with wind gusts up to 144 km/h.
• Approach paths: Mekkhala was moving in from the southwest, while Higos approached from the east/southeast, with potential convergence.
• Evacuations: Around 1 million people were advised to leave their homes according to Deutsche Welle; the South China Morning Post and The Hindu reported several thousand in Kyoto.
• Transport and industry impact: Dozens of train services were suspended (Deutsche Welle); Toyota suspended production at a Kyushu plant due to road closures (The Hindu); Nissan planned to halt some production lines (Deutsche Welle).
• Military cancellation: The Japanese military cancelled the planned maiden flight of a V-22 Osprey transport aircraft to Miyako Island (The Hindu).

Perspectives

Authorities and forecasters: Japanese authorities advised evacuations in areas at risk of flooding and landslides, particularly in Kyoto and Osaka, where river levels were rising. Forecasters noted the potential for the Fujiwhara effect, which could make the storms' movements and strengths harder to predict.

Airlines and companies: Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways canceled flights to and from Okinawa and Kagoshima. Toyota suspended production at a Kyushu plant due to road closures from heavy rain, and Nissan said it planned to halt some production lines. The Japanese military also cancelled a planned V-22 Osprey flight.