Japanese Islands Hit by Two Successive Typhoons

The Izu archipelago have faced yet another severe impact as Typhoon Nakri moved across the region on Monday, coming just after Typhoon Halong, which struck seven days prior.

Initial Consequences on Hachijojima Island

Officials on Hachijojima Island reported disruption and damage to approximately 220 residences after the storm brought an hour of rainfall totaling 37mm and wind bursts reaching 95mph. Airport operations were disrupted, infrastructure damaged, and heavy rainfall triggered landslides across the group of islands. The storm also generated 9-metre waves, leading to hazardous shoreline situations. Off the Pacific coast in Oiso, in the Kanagawa region, three fishermen were carried off by waves, one of whom has been confirmed dead.

The Evolution of Nakri

The storm has since shifted into an extratropical cyclone, weakening as it moved eastwards over chilled northern Pacific seas, with wind speeds dropping to about 65mph as of Thursday. Riding the jet stream, its remaining parts are headed to reach British Columbia, Canada, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and storm surges.

Recalling Halong's Fury

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, rainfall totals reached 349mm, breaking the daily rainfall record. The typhoon’s remnants then crossed the north Pacific and arrived in Alaska on Sunday, causing an unprecedented 2-meter coastal surge.

Significant Harm in Alaska

The coastal villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were the most affected. One person died, houses were ruined, and nearly 1,500 people had to evacuate to safe zones. Alaska experienced one of the largest airlifts in its history to relocate affected individuals. Halong stands as among the strongest cyclones the region has experienced. Its quick strengthening was fuelled by abnormally hot northern Pacific seas, which supplied additional warmth and humidity.

Double Trouble in Mexico

At the same time, the nation endured a double blow last week as the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond combined, releasing nearly 609mm of precipitation over four days across the central and eastern areas. Steered by a dip in the jet stream, both systems hit the same area in quick succession. The initial heavy rains from Priscilla left the ground saturated, worsening floods as Raymond approached. Over 300 localities were impacted by mudslides and river overflows. As of Wednesday, 66 people have been confirmed dead and 75 remain missing. Search and relief efforts persist, with stagnant floodwaters raising health concerns in isolated areas.