Japan's Archipelago Struck by Two Successive Tropical Storms
The Izu Islands have faced yet another severe impact as tropical cyclone 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 noted interruptions and destruction 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, infrastructure damaged, and intense rains caused ground slides across the group of islands. The storm also generated 9-metre waves, leading to hazardous shoreline situations. Near Oiso on the Pacific side, in Kanagawa prefecture, three men were swept away while fishing, with one fatality reported.
The Evolution of Nakri
The storm has since shifted into an non-tropical storm system, weakening as it moved eastwards over cooler north Pacific waters, with wind speeds dropping to about 65mph as of Thursday. Moving along the air current, 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 had unleashed more than 200mm of rain in three hours, as peak wind speeds hit 122mph. By late morning last Thursday, precipitation levels climbed to 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.
Significant Harm in Alaska
The coastal villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were the hardest hit. 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 stands as one of the most powerful storms the area has ever seen. Its rapid intensification was fuelled by abnormally hot northern Pacific seas, which supplied additional warmth and humidity.
Double Trouble in Mexico
Meanwhile, the country faced two consecutive hits last week as the leftovers of Priscilla and Raymond converged, releasing nearly 609mm of precipitation over four days across the central and eastern areas. 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, intensifying flooding when Raymond arrived. Over 300 localities were impacted by mudslides and river overflows. As of Wednesday, 66 people have been confirmed dead and 75 individuals are still unaccounted for. Search and relief efforts persist, with standing water causing health worries in remote zones.
