Japanese Islands Hit by Back-to-Back Tropical Storms
The Izu archipelago have endured another powerful blow as Typhoon Nakri moved across the region on Monday, coming just after Typhoon Halong, which hit a week earlier.
Immediate Impact on the Island of Hachijojima
Local authorities on Hachijojima reported disruption and damage to about 220 homes after the storm brought 37mm (1.5in) of rain in one hour and wind bursts reaching 95mph. Flight services were interrupted, infrastructure damaged, and heavy rainfall triggered landslides across the island chain. The storm also produced waves as high as 9 meters, leading to hazardous shoreline situations. Near Oiso on the Pacific side, in Kanagawa prefecture, three men were swept away while fishing, one of whom has been confirmed dead.
The Evolution of Nakri
Nakri has since transitioned into an extratropical cyclone, weakening as it moved eastwards over chilled northern Pacific seas, with wind speeds dropping to about 65mph as of Thursday. Riding the jet stream, its remnants are on track to reach British Columbia, Canada, delivering intense precipitation, powerful gusts, and coastal flooding.
Remembering Halong's Impact
Seven days before, Halong discharged over 200mm of precipitation within three hours, as maximum sustained winds reached 122mph. By the late morning of the previous 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 most affected. One person died, houses were ruined, and nearly 1,500 people had to evacuate to safe zones. The state underwent an historic mass evacuation by air to evacuate displaced residents. Halong stands as among the strongest cyclones the region has experienced. Its rapid intensification was fuelled by unusually warm north Pacific waters, which supplied additional warmth and humidity.
Twin Disasters in Mexico
At the same time, the country endured a double blow last week as the leftovers of Priscilla and Raymond converged, releasing nearly 609mm of precipitation over four days across the central and eastern areas. 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. Over 300 localities were impacted by mudslides and river overflows. As of Wednesday, 66 fatalities were verified and 75 remain missing. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing, with stagnant floodwaters raising health concerns in remote zones.