Japan's Archipelago Struck by Back-to-Back Typhoons

The Izu Islands have endured another powerful blow as tropical cyclone Nakri swept through the region on Monday, following in the footsteps of storm Halong, which hit seven days prior.

Initial Consequences on the Island of Hachijojima

Officials on Hachijojima Island reported disruption and damage to approximately 220 residences after the storm brought 37mm (1.5in) of rain in one hour and wind bursts reaching 95mph. Airport operations were disrupted, public facilities harmed, and heavy rainfall triggered landslides across the island chain. The typhoon also generated 9-metre waves, creating dangerous coastal conditions. Off the Pacific coast in Oiso, in the Kanagawa region, three fishermen were carried off by waves, with one fatality reported.

Nakri's Transformation

Nakri has since transitioned into an non-tropical storm system, losing strength while traveling east over chilled northern Pacific seas, with gusts reducing to around 65mph as of Thursday. Moving along the air current, 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 over 200mm of precipitation within three hours, as peak wind speeds hit 122mph. By the late morning of the previous Thursday, rainfall totals reached 349mm, shattering the 24-hour record. The storm's leftovers then crossed the north Pacific and arrived in Alaska on Sunday, bringing a record-breaking 2-metre storm surge.

Significant Harm in Alaska

The coastal villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were the most affected. A single fatality occurred, homes were destroyed, and nearly 1,500 people had to evacuate to safe zones. The state underwent an historic mass evacuation by air to relocate affected individuals. Halong remains one of the most powerful storms the area has ever seen. Its rapid intensification was driven by unusually warm north Pacific waters, which provided extra heat and moisture.

Twin Disasters in Mexico

At the same time, the country endured a double blow last week as the leftovers of Priscilla and Raymond combined, dumping about 609mm of rain in four days across central and eastern regions. Guided by a trough in the air current, both systems hit the same area in quick succession. The first deluge from Priscilla made the soil waterlogged, intensifying flooding when Raymond arrived. More than 300 communities were affected by landslides and overflowing rivers. By Wednesday, 66 fatalities were verified and 75 individuals are still unaccounted for. Search and relief efforts persist, with stagnant floodwaters raising health concerns in isolated areas.

Suzanne Obrien
Suzanne Obrien

A passionate music journalist and critic with a deep love for Canadian artists and indie music culture.