Japanese weather officials announced that a tropical storm – ‘Merry’ – made itself into Japan, lashing the main Honshu island with heavy rain on Saturday as it moved north toward the capital city Tokyo. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Tropical Storm Mari made landfall in Shizuoka Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, on Saturday afternoon, causing sudden torrential rains accompanied by strong winds, prompting landslides and flood warnings.
The word ‘meri’ in Japanese means ‘a bud’ or ‘sprout’, indicating that something is about to happen or grow. Local media, citing power companies, reported that thousands of homes in Shizuoka Prefecture were out of power due to the lightning. Meanwhile, flights and trains across the island have been cancelled, the report said. More than 72,000 people were asked to evacuate in the region’s main city of Shizuoka due to possible landslides.
1. Mary passed Shizuoka with winds up to 72 kph, and was traveling north at about 20 kph before turning east. It is likely to swing over the Pacific Ocean by early Sunday. Reports quoted officials as saying that rain in the Tokyo area could subside by early Sunday, but after that it would knock into northeastern Japan.
2. The capital city, Tokyo and its surrounding areas were affected by the periodic rains. Weather agencies and disaster relief forces issued warnings on high waves in coastal areas for Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo and other nearby areas.
3. The officials cautioned the citizens against going near rivers or other water bodies, as the water level may rise suddenly. He said that rain is expected to worsen in the evening in Tokyo and areas north of the city. Flooding, strong winds and heavy rain warnings were issued for the Tokyo area.
4. All Nippon Airways canceled at least 10 domestic flights, while low-cost carrier Skymark Airlines also canceled some flights. Japan Airlines Company halted 23 flights.
5. Bullet train services were delayed, and speed limits in tunnels in Shizuoka were temporarily lowered as a precaution. Sections of the Tomei Expressway, which connects Tokyo with Nagoya, were also temporarily closed due to heavy rain.
6. Japanese media showed video of rivers rising dangerously, reaching the deck of the bridge, as strong winds hit homes with torrential rain. Videos showed people running through the streets, clinging to umbrellas and seeking shelter.
7. Mari is expected to bring at least 300 millimeters of rain to parts of central Honshu, the meteorological department said, possibly disrupting the country’s “bon” holiday period when many Japanese travel to visit family. Huh.
8. The Rock in Japan Festival 2022, which began a week ago in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, was canceled for Saturday, the last day of the outdoor event, due to the marie. The organizers promised refund of tickets for all.
9. The world’s third-largest economy has often seen the devastating effects of seasonal storms, causing death and injury, damage to properties caused by torrential rains that break dams, blow up roofs and damage power lines brings it down.
10. In 2020, hundreds of thousands of people were ordered to evacuate in southern Japan due to Typhoon Haishen. Companies temporarily closed factories as a precaution. A year before that, Japan had suffered Hagibis – one of the most powerful typhoons in decades – that ripped through the central and northeastern parts of the island nation, causing widespread flooding and killing dozens.