Tropical storm Shanshan causes chaos and destruction in Japan and Tokyo.

A slowly progressing tropical storm has left a trail of destruction in Japan, particularly affecting the southern region and spreading towards the Tokyo metropolitan area. The storm, known as Shanshan, made landfall on Thursday on Kyushu Island as a powerful typhoon, and although it has weakened, its slow advance has caused intense rainfall and natural disasters in various prefectures. These phenomena have left the nation on high alert and citizens facing serious difficulties. Images broadcast by the public broadcaster NHK show the magnitude of the problem. In Kanagawa Prefecture, located west of Tokyo, floods have cut off roads and paralyzed traffic. Citizens have been trapped in their vehicles, with water rising to cover the windows of several cars in parking lots. This situation has been repeated in other locations, such as Hiratsuka and Ninomiya, where overflowing waters have left many stranded and swept away tree branches, contributing to the sense of chaos that reigns in the region. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for torrential rain and the risk of landslides, extending from the capital to the nearby prefectures of Kanagawa and Shizuoka. Severe weather conditions are expected to persist in the coming hours, with forecasts indicating up to 30 centimeters of rain in Shikoku and central Japan, as well as 15 centimeters in the Tokyo metropolis. The impact of the storm has not been limited to flooding; it has also caused significant disruptions to transportation and daily life. Hundreds of domestic flights have been canceled, and the famous bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka has suspended its operations. Additionally, courier services and public transportation have been severely affected, creating a wave of inconvenience for travelers and residents. Initial damage estimates are beginning to be reported. At least 80 people have been injured in the Kyushu region, primarily in the prefectures of Miyazaki and Kagoshima. Unfortunately, two people have been reported missing, and authorities are reporting a landslide that caused the deaths of three individuals before the storm made landfall. Businesses have also been forced to close, with supermarkets and stores turning off their lights as the storm unleashed its fury over the area. Some of the country's largest automakers, such as Toyota and Mazda, have closed their factories in the affected areas, adding a new level of economic concern to the situation. The storm's slow pace has been a critical factor in the extent of the flooding and the risk of additional disasters. Meteorological experts warn that as the storm continues to move eastward, severe conditions are likely to persist in the affected regions, which could further exacerbate the crisis. As Storm Shanshan moves towards the islands of Shikoku and Honshu, the population of Tokyo is preparing for the onslaught of rain, while emergency services are organizing to respond to the needs of the hardest-hit communities. The situation is a stark reminder of Japan's vulnerability to extreme weather events. With the Japanese community facing a test of resilience, authorities are urging citizens to stay informed and take precautions. Recovery from this storm will require not only immediate rescue efforts but also a deeper reflection on how climate change may be influencing the frequency and severity of such events in the future.