Japanese Islands Struck by Back-to-Back Typhoons
The Izu Islands have endured another powerful blow as tropical cyclone Nakri swept through the area on Monday, coming just after Typhoon Halong, which struck a week earlier.
Initial Consequences on Hachijojima Island
Officials on Hachijojima Island noted interruptions and destruction 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 heavy rainfall triggered landslides across the group of islands. The typhoon also produced waves as high as 9 meters, leading to hazardous shoreline situations. Off the Pacific coast in Oiso, in Kanagawa prefecture, three men were swept away while fishing, one of whom has been confirmed dead.
Nakri's Transformation
Nakri has since transitioned into an non-tropical storm system, losing strength while traveling east over cooler north Pacific waters, with gusts reducing to around 65mph as of Thursday. Riding the jet stream, its remaining parts are headed to reach the Canadian province of British Columbia, delivering intense precipitation, powerful gusts, and coastal flooding.
Remembering Halong's Impact
Seven days before, Halong discharged more than 200mm of rain in three hours, as maximum sustained winds reached 122mph. By the late morning of the previous Thursday, precipitation levels climbed to 349mm, breaking the daily rainfall record. The storm's leftovers then crossed the north Pacific and arrived in Alaska on Sunday, bringing a record-breaking 2-metre storm surge.
Alaska's Severe Damage
The coastal villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were the hardest hit. A single fatality occurred, homes were destroyed, and nearly 1,500 people had to evacuate to safe zones. The state underwent one of the largest airlifts in its history to relocate affected individuals. Halong stands as one of the most powerful storms the region has experienced. Its quick strengthening was driven by abnormally hot northern Pacific seas, which provided extra heat and moisture.
Twin Disasters in Mexico
At the same time, the nation endured a double blow last week as the leftovers of Priscilla and Raymond combined, releasing nearly 609mm of precipitation over four days across the central and eastern areas. 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, worsening floods as Raymond approached. More than 300 communities were affected by landslides and overflowing rivers. By Wednesday, 66 people have been confirmed dead and 75 individuals are still unaccounted for. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing, with stagnant floodwaters raising health concerns in isolated areas.
