Japanese Archipelago Struck by Back-to-Back Typhoons
The Izu archipelago have endured another powerful blow as Typhoon Nakri swept through the region on Monday, coming just after Typhoon Halong, which struck seven days prior.
Initial Consequences on the Island of Hachijojima
Local authorities on Hachijojima reported disruption and damage to about 220 homes after the typhoon brought 37mm (1.5in) of rain in one hour and wind bursts reaching 95mph. Flight services were interrupted, infrastructure damaged, and intense rains caused ground slides across the island chain. The typhoon also generated 9-metre waves, creating dangerous coastal conditions. Off the Pacific coast in Oiso, in Kanagawa prefecture, three men were swept away while fishing, one of whom has been confirmed dead.
The Evolution of Nakri
The storm has since shifted into an extratropical cyclone, weakening as it moved eastwards over cooler north Pacific waters, with gusts reducing to around 65mph as of Thursday. Riding the jet stream, its remaining parts are headed to reach the Canadian province of British Columbia, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and storm surges.
Remembering Halong's Impact
A week earlier, Halong had unleashed more than 200mm of rain in three hours, as maximum sustained winds reached 122mph. By late morning last Thursday, rainfall totals reached 349mm, shattering the 24-hour record. The storm's leftovers then crossed the north Pacific and reached Alaska on Sunday, bringing a record-breaking 2-metre storm surge.
Alaska's Severe Damage
The seaside communities Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were the hardest hit. One person died, homes were destroyed, and about 1,500 residents were forced into shelters. Alaska experienced one of the largest airlifts in its history to relocate affected individuals. Halong remains one of the most powerful storms the area has ever seen. Its quick strengthening was driven by abnormally hot northern Pacific seas, which provided extra heat and moisture.
Double Trouble in Mexico
Meanwhile, the country faced two consecutive hits last week as the leftovers of Priscilla and Raymond converged, dumping about 609mm of rain in four days across central and eastern regions. Guided by a trough in the air current, the two weather events struck the same zone one after another. The first deluge from Priscilla left the ground saturated, worsening floods as Raymond approached. Over 300 localities were impacted by mudslides and river overflows. 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 remote zones.
