Two tropical storms approach Japan, more than 100 flights canceled and evacuations announced

More than 100 flights have been suspended in Japan as two tropical storms approach the Japanese archipelago, prompting authorities to issue evacuation warnings in several areas because of the risk of flooding and landslides.

According to meteorologists, Typhoon Mekhala is accompanied by winds reaching up to 144 kilometers per hour and is expected to hit the area within a few hours. At the same time, heavy rainfall has already affected parts of southern and western Japan, worsening concerns about the weather situation.

Forecasts show that the storm will move along the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku over the weekend, while it remains possible that it could later merge with another tropical storm, Higos, which is located farther away in the Pacific Ocean.

If the two systems merge, meteorologists warn of the phenomenon known as “Fujiwara,” which could make it very difficult to determine the direction and strength of the weather system.

The impact has also affected air transport, as Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have canceled 70 and 50 flights respectively to and from the prefectures of Okinawa and Kagoshima.

In Kyoto Prefecture, recommendations have been issued for the evacuation of thousands of residents بسبب fears of landslides, while in Kyoto and Osaka authorities have reported rising river water levels and a risk of flooding.

In addition, the Japanese military has canceled a planned V-22 Osprey aircraft flight to Miyako Island as part of joint exercises with the United States, according to the Kyodo agency.