Severe Storm Batters Taiwan, Prompts Flood Warnings Across Parts Of Japan Today

Torrential rainfall triggered by Tropical Storm Mekkhala disrupted normal life across southern Taiwan on Friday, forcing schools and government offices to shut and causing widespread transport disruptions. More than five million people were affected as authorities ordered precautionary closures in several regions while emergency teams monitored flooding and landslide risks. Although the storm did not make direct landfall in Taiwan, its outer rainbands brought intense downpours to large parts of the island. Meanwhile, neighbouring Japan also remained on high alert as the weather system approached the Ryukyu Islands, prompting authorities to issue flood, landslide and evacuation warnings in vulnerable areas.

According to local authorities, the heaviest rainfall was recorded in the southern Taiwanese regions of Kaohsiung, Tainan and Pingtung, where continuous rain inundated roads and disrupted public services. The governments of all three regions ordered schools and offices to remain closed on Friday as a precautionary measure. In Tainan, severe flooding forced the suspension of services on a section of Taiwan's main north-south railway line, affecting commuters and disrupting transportation across the region. Emergency workers were deployed to clear flooded roads, assist stranded residents and monitor rivers and drainage systems as rainfall continued throughout the day.

Although Typhoon Mekkhala weakened into a tropical storm before reaching Taiwan, meteorologists warned that its expansive circulation continued to draw moisture across the island, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides. Weather officials advised residents living in low-lying areas and near hillsides to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel. Local governments also urged people to stay updated through official weather advisories as additional rainbands were expected to affect southern and central Taiwan over the coming hours. Authorities warned that saturated ground conditions could heighten the likelihood of landslides even after rainfall begins to ease.

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Across the East China Sea, Japan also experienced heavy rain and strong winds as the storm system moved closer to the Ryukyu island chain. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued high-level warnings for flooding, swollen rivers and landslides across parts of western and southern Japan. Local authorities issued evacuation orders affecting approximately 2.2 million residents in areas considered vulnerable to flooding and slope failures. Emergency management agencies urged people to seek shelter where necessary and avoid rivers, coastal areas and mountainous terrain as weather conditions remained unstable.

The latest weather emergency underscores the disruptive impact tropical systems can have across East Asia, even when they do not make direct landfall. Authorities in both Taiwan and Japan continue to monitor the storm's movement while coordinating disaster response efforts to minimise damage and ensure public safety. Residents have been advised to follow official instructions, remain indoors during periods of intense rainfall and prepare for possible power outages, transport disruptions and additional flooding. Meteorologists expect the storm to gradually weaken as it moves northward, but caution that heavy rainfall and hazardous conditions may persist in affected regions over the coming days.

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