Tropical storm Shanshan hits Japan with flooding and chaos in Tokyo and Kyushu.

A slow-moving tropical storm has unleashed its fury in Japan, severely affecting both the southern region and the capital, Tokyo. The weather phenomenon, known as Tropical Storm Shanshan, made landfall on Thursday in Kyushu Island and, although it has begun to weaken, its slow movement has intensified rainfall across a wide area of the country. On Friday, the situation became critical, with severe flooding and traffic blockages leaving many people trapped and wreaking havoc on the daily lives of millions of Japanese. Precipitation has been particularly severe in Kanagawa Prefecture, west of Tokyo, where streets have turned into rivers and vehicles have been submerged. Images broadcast by NHK television showed how the murky waters of the Meguro River, one of the capital's most famous waterways, exceeded its usual levels, sweeping everything in its path. The situation has prompted authorities to issue alerts about the risk of landslides, both in Tokyo itself and in surrounding prefectures. In Hiratsuka, one of the hardest-hit cities, numerous cars were trapped in a flooded parking lot, with water reaching the windows of the vehicles. Some pedestrians were forced to wade through water that reached their thighs, a scene that illustrates the severity of the disaster. In Ninomiya, another town in Kanagawa, river waters overflowed, trapping drivers on the streets and leaving tree branches stuck on bridges. Tropical Storm Shanshan, with sustained winds of 72 km/h, has struck Japan with unusual violence. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the storm was moving east at a speed of only 10 km/h, prolonging the rainfall and increasing the risk of natural disasters in an already vulnerable context. Authorities estimate that up to 30 cm of rain could be recorded in Shikoku Island and central Japan, while Tokyo could experience up to 15 cm in the next 24 hours. The impact is not limited to infrastructure and traffic. In the Kyushu region, around 80 residents have been injured due to the storm, while two people remain missing following a landslide that left three dead before the typhoon's impact. The magnitude of the storm has forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights in the southwest of the country, as well as the suspension of Shinkansen high-speed train services between Tokyo and Osaka, causing considerable chaos in transportation. The effects of the storm have also been felt in trade and industrial production. Most postal and delivery services have been suspended in the most affected regions, leading to the temporary closure of supermarkets and businesses in Kyushu and Shikoku. Even major automotive manufacturers, such as Toyota and Mazda, were forced to shut down their factories in the impacted areas due to the severe weather. The situation in riverside areas is critical, with the possibility that continued rainfall could further aggravate conditions in areas already threatened by flooding. Experts warn that the storm's slow movement not only increases the amount of rain but also prolongs exposure to severe weather conditions, which could result in more damage and difficulties for local communities. Some residents have begun sharing their experiences on social media, posting images of the devastation and the daily struggle to cope with the harsh weather. Affected communities are receiving assistance from local governments and relief organizations, which are working to support those who have lost their homes or been displaced by the flooding. However, the path to recovery appears long and arduous. The lessons from previous disasters in Japan highlight the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of increasingly intense natural phenomena. As Storm Shanshan continues its course, the country clings to the hope that the rains will soon diminish and that recovery will be as swift and effective as possible.