Japanese Archipelago Hit by Two Successive Typhoons
The Izu Islands have faced yet another severe impact as tropical cyclone Nakri swept through the area on Monday, coming just after Typhoon Halong, which hit a week earlier.
Immediate Impact on Hachijojima Island
Officials on Hachijojima Island reported disruption and damage to about 220 homes after the typhoon brought 37mm (1.5in) of rain in one hour and gusts of up to 95mph (152km/h). Airport operations were disrupted, public facilities harmed, and intense rains caused ground slides across the group of islands. The typhoon also generated 9-metre waves, leading to hazardous shoreline situations. Near Oiso on the Pacific side, in Kanagawa prefecture, three fishermen were carried off by waves, with one fatality reported.
The Evolution of Nakri
Nakri has since transitioned into an non-tropical storm system, losing strength while traveling east over chilled northern Pacific seas, with wind speeds dropping to about 65mph as of Thursday. Riding the jet stream, its remnants are on track to reach the Canadian province of British Columbia, delivering intense precipitation, powerful gusts, and coastal flooding.
Remembering Halong's Impact
Seven days before, Halong had unleashed more than 200mm of rain in three hours, as maximum sustained winds reached 122mph. By late morning last Thursday, precipitation levels climbed to 349mm, shattering the 24-hour record. The typhoon’s remnants then crossed the north Pacific and reached Alaska on Sunday, causing an unprecedented 2-meter coastal surge.
Alaska's Severe Damage
The coastal villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were the hardest hit. One person died, houses were ruined, and nearly 1,500 people had to evacuate to safe zones. The state underwent an historic mass evacuation by air to evacuate displaced residents. Halong remains among the strongest cyclones the region has experienced. Its quick strengthening was fuelled by abnormally hot northern Pacific seas, which provided extra heat and moisture.
Twin Disasters in Mexico
At the same time, the country faced two consecutive hits last week as the leftovers of Priscilla and Raymond converged, releasing nearly 609mm of precipitation over four days across central and eastern regions. Steered by a dip in the jet stream, the two weather events struck the same zone one after another. The first deluge from Priscilla made the soil waterlogged, intensifying flooding when Raymond arrived. Over 300 localities were impacted by mudslides and river overflows. As of Wednesday, 66 fatalities were verified and 75 remain missing. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing, with standing water causing health worries in remote zones.
