Typhoon Jangmi Slams Japan, Triggers Rare Level 5 Flood Warnings

(MENAFN) Tropical Storm Jangmi — designated Taifu No. 6 in Japan — tore into southern Wakayama Prefecture early Wednesday, unleashing torrential rain, destructive winds, and sweeping flood threats across central and eastern Japan, local media reported.

The storm made landfall near Wakayama's southern coast before tracking northeast along the country's Pacific coastline, Japanese media reported. In response, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued rare Level 5 special flood warnings — the highest alert level available — for areas battered by surging rivers and severe inundation.

Flooding was reported along the Koza River in Wakayama, triggering emergency warnings before authorities gradually downgraded the alert as conditions began to stabilize. Officials nonetheless urged residents to stay on guard against continued threats from swollen waterways, potential landslides, and further rainfall.

Jangmi's destruction rippled well beyond western Japan. Hundreds of flights were canceled, rail services ground to a halt or faced major delays, and evacuation advisories were issued across multiple prefectures, media reported. Major manufacturers — including several automotive firms — temporarily suspended operations as a precautionary measure. Tens of thousands of households lost power as fierce winds swept the country.

Having previously churned through Okinawa, the storm weakened following landfall but continued pressing toward the Tokyo metropolitan region. Meteorologists cautioned that heavy rainfall could persist through Thursday, prolonging the threat of flooding and weather-related disasters across eastern Japan.

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