Typhoon Shanshan causes devastation in Japan, leaving deaths and millions affected.

The arrival of Typhoon Shanshan in Japan has triggered a series of catastrophic events that have tested the limits of the country's infrastructure and emergency services. This typhoon, considered one of the most powerful to ever hit Japanese soil, has left a tragic toll of at least four deaths and more than 100 injuries, while two people remain missing. Authorities have issued alerts for flooding and landslides, affecting millions of citizens in various prefectures. Problems began to arise on Thursday when several flights, including Air Seoul's HL8073 and Peach Aviation's MM523, were forced to abort their landings at Fukuoka Airport. Only Japan Airlines' JL307 managed to land, reflecting the difficulty of maneuvering amid the hurricane-force winds battering the region. This chaotic scenario has heightened the distress of both passengers and crews of the affected planes, who faced the harsh reality of an active typhoon. As the typhoon moved across the southwest of the country, the devastation became evident. In Kanagawa Prefecture, torrential rains have caused flooding that submerged vehicles and rendered many roads impassable. Rainfall has reached alarming levels, recording up to 50 millimeters per hour and more than 400 millimeters in just 48 hours. This phenomenon has led authorities to declare emergencies and warn of the imminent risk of river overflow. The situation in Tokyo has been no less severe. The Japanese capital has experienced strong winds and heavy rains that have caused trees to fall and damage infrastructure. Authorities have issued warnings about the danger of flooding in neighborhoods such as Meguro and Shinagawa, where the Meguro River was at critical levels. In an unprecedented move, evacuation of certain areas has been recommended, reflecting the scope and seriousness of the crisis caused by the typhoon. However, despite evacuation orders, many people have chosen not to go to designated shelters, either due to a lack of confidence in safety or cultural reluctance to leave their homes. This challenge has further complicated an effective emergency response, forcing authorities to find new ways to ensure the safety of the population. The impact of the typhoon has been widely felt in transportation, with approximately 600 domestic flights canceled and the suspension of shinkansen (bullet train) services between Tokyo and Nagoya. This disruption in transportation not only affects the mobility of citizens but also impacts the emergency services' response capacity and access to humanitarian aid for the most affected areas. High-speed lines and other regional services have also been interrupted, complicating the movement of rescue and assistance teams. Highways have also been closed, rendering them impassable in many areas, further delaying recovery efforts and assistance to those affected. With the typhoon moving at 15 kilometers per hour, it is expected to continue wreaking havoc in southwest Japan over the weekend, while the rains will intensify in the eastern half of the country. Meteorological projections estimate that the situation could worsen before it improves, posing a monumental challenge for local and national authorities. Disaster preparedness and response in Japan is recognized worldwide, but the magnitude of Shanshan has led everyone to reconsider some strategies. The population now faces a situation of uncertainty as recovery efforts are organized amid extreme weather conditions. Solidarity and resilience will be key in the coming days as Japan strives to return to normalcy after this devastating storm. Thus, while Typhoon Shanshan continues its path, the entire country watches with concern, hoping that the storm will soon give way to calm and that recovery efforts will be effective in helping all those whose lives have been disrupted by this devastating natural phenomenon.