Japanese Islands Struck by Back-to-Back Typhoons
The Izu archipelago have faced yet another severe impact as tropical cyclone Nakri swept through the region on Monday, coming just after storm Halong, which hit seven days prior.
Immediate Impact on the Island of Hachijojima
Local authorities on Hachijojima noted interruptions and destruction to about 220 homes after the typhoon brought an hour of rainfall totaling 37mm and wind bursts reaching 95mph. Flight services were interrupted, public facilities harmed, and intense rains caused ground slides across the group of islands. The storm 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, one of whom has been confirmed dead.
Nakri's Transformation
The storm has since shifted into an non-tropical storm system, losing strength while traveling east over cooler north Pacific waters, with wind speeds dropping to about 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.
Recalling Halong's Fury
A week earlier, Halong discharged over 200mm of precipitation within 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 traveled over the northern Pacific and arrived in Alaska on Sunday, bringing a record-breaking 2-metre storm surge.
Alaska's Severe Damage
The seaside communities Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were the most affected. A single fatality occurred, houses were ruined, and about 1,500 residents were forced into shelters. Alaska experienced an historic mass evacuation by air to relocate affected individuals. Halong stands as one of the most powerful storms the area has ever seen. Its rapid intensification was driven by abnormally hot northern Pacific seas, which supplied additional warmth and humidity.
Twin Disasters in Mexico
Meanwhile, the country endured a double blow last week as the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond converged, 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, intensifying flooding when Raymond arrived. Over 300 localities were affected by landslides and overflowing rivers. As of Wednesday, 66 people have been confirmed dead and 75 remain missing. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing, with standing water causing health worries in remote zones.
