Japan's Archipelago Struck by Back-to-Back Tropical Storms

The Izu Islands have endured another powerful blow as Typhoon Nakri moved across the area on Monday, coming just after Typhoon Halong, which hit seven days prior.

Initial Consequences on Hachijojima Island

Local authorities on Hachijojima reported disruption and damage to approximately 220 residences after the storm 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 island chain. The storm also produced waves as high as 9 meters, leading to hazardous shoreline situations. Off the Pacific coast in Oiso, in Kanagawa prefecture, three fishermen were carried off by waves, with one fatality reported.

The Evolution of Nakri

The storm has since shifted into an extratropical cyclone, losing strength while traveling east over chilled northern Pacific seas, with wind speeds dropping to about 65mph as of Thursday. Moving along the air current, its remnants are on track to reach the Canadian province of British Columbia, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and storm surges.

Recalling Halong's Fury

A week earlier, Halong discharged 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 storm's leftovers then crossed the north Pacific and arrived in Alaska on Sunday, causing an unprecedented 2-meter coastal surge.

Alaska's Severe Damage

The coastal villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were the hardest hit. A single fatality occurred, homes were destroyed, and about 1,500 residents were forced into shelters. Alaska experienced an historic mass evacuation by air to evacuate displaced residents. Halong remains among the strongest cyclones the region has experienced. Its rapid intensification was driven by unusually warm north Pacific waters, which supplied additional warmth and humidity.

Twin Disasters 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 central and eastern regions. 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. More than 300 communities were affected by landslides and overflowing rivers. As of Wednesday, 66 fatalities were verified and 75 remain missing. Search and relief efforts persist, with standing water causing health worries in isolated areas.

Jessica Morris
Jessica Morris

A tech enthusiast and business strategist with over a decade of experience in global innovation and digital transformation.