Japan's Islands Hit by Back-to-Back Typhoons
The Izu Islands have faced yet another severe impact as Typhoon Nakri swept through the region on Monday, following in the footsteps of storm Halong, which struck seven days prior.
Initial Consequences on Hachijojima Island
Officials on Hachijojima Island reported disruption and damage to approximately 220 residences after the typhoon brought an hour of rainfall totaling 37mm and gusts of up to 95mph (152km/h). Airport operations were disrupted, infrastructure damaged, 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. Near Oiso on the Pacific side, in the Kanagawa region, three fishermen were carried off by waves, with one fatality reported.
Nakri's Transformation
The storm has since shifted into an extratropical cyclone, weakening as it moved eastwards over chilled northern Pacific seas, with gusts reducing to around 65mph as of Thursday. Riding the jet stream, its remaining parts are headed to reach British Columbia, Canada, 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 late morning last Thursday, rainfall totals reached 349mm, breaking the daily rainfall record. The typhoon’s remnants then traveled over the northern Pacific and reached Alaska on Sunday, causing an unprecedented 2-meter coastal surge.
Significant Harm in Alaska
The seaside communities Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were the most affected. One person died, homes were destroyed, and nearly 1,500 people had to evacuate to safe zones. Alaska experienced one of the largest airlifts in its history to relocate affected individuals. Halong remains one of the most powerful storms the region has experienced. Its rapid intensification was fuelled by unusually warm north Pacific waters, which supplied additional warmth and humidity.
Double Trouble in Mexico
Meanwhile, the nation faced two consecutive hits 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 first deluge from Priscilla left the ground saturated, 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. Search and relief efforts persist, with stagnant floodwaters raising health concerns in isolated areas.
