Typhoon Peipah has made its powerful entrance, lashing Japan’s southern shores. The storm, which made landfall near Sukumo City in Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island during the late hours of September 4, quickly unleashed record-breaking rainfall. The nation’s weather agency, the Japan Meteorological Agency, wasted no time in sounding the alarm. They warned of widespread flooding, the looming threat of landslides, and tumultuous seas across the Pacific coast.
This wasn’t Peipah’s first dance with the land. The typhoon had been brewing near Amami Oshima Island since September 4. Before its main landfall, it had already drenched parts of Kyushu and Shikoku with continuous, heavy downpours. These earlier rains set the stage for the severe conditions that followed. Concerns grew rapidly about rising water levels and unstable ground.
The sheer volume of rain was astounding in some areas. Shimo-kitayama Village in Nara Prefecture reported a staggering 80 millimeters of rain in just one hour. In Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, 63 millimeters fell within the same short timeframe. Tsuno Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, experienced an almost unbelievable 465.5 millimeters of rain over 24 hours leading up to 9 PM on September 4. This downpour broke all previous records for that specific location.
Forecasters predict that Peipah will continue its journey. It is expected to hug Japan’s Pacific coastline, bringing more misery and torrential rain to several regions. By the night of September 5, areas like Tokai could see up to 250 millimeters of rain. Kinki and Kanto-Koshin regions might receive as much as 200 millimeters. Shikoku is bracing for another 180 millimeters, while Tohoku could get up to 150.
Authorities are pleading with residents to remain vigilant. The danger of sudden mudslides and flash floods is extremely high. Rivers could overflow their banks with little warning. Additionally, officials issued warnings about lightning strikes, dangerously high waves, strong wind gusts, and even the possibility of tornadoes. Staying safe means staying informed and following all local advice.