Two tropical storms pound Japan, causing flooding and landslides

Two tropical storms, Mekkhala and Higos, have caused significant damage across Japan, dumping heavy rain and leading to widespread flooding and landslides. The storms, occurring during the country's annual rainy season, resulted in one fatality and several injuries. In Yamaguchi Prefecture, a man in his 70s died and three others were injured when a house collapsed due to a landslide. Flooding alerts were issued in western Japan, including parts of Kyoto and Osaka, with over 30 homes reported flooded in Nara and Hiroshima. The heavy rainfall also disrupted train operations and flights.

Heavy downpours have caused flooding in western Japan as two tropical storms, Mekkhala and Higos, approach the country. The storms are expected to reach the Tokyo region on Saturday, exacerbating an existing seasonal rain front. As of Friday afternoon, Mekkhala was off the coast of Amami island, heading northeast, with Higos following nearby. Flooding alerts were issued in Kyoto, Osaka, and other western areas, with over 30 homes reported flooded in Nara and Hiroshima. The heavy rain also led to disruptions in train operations and flights. One man was injured in Nara after falling into a waterway.

Japanese airlines canceled over 100 flights on Friday due to two tropical storms approaching the archipelago. Authorities have advised evacuations in some areas due to the risk of flooding and landslides. Severe tropical storm Mekkhala, with gusts up to 144 km/h, is bringing heavy rain to southern and western Japan and is expected to pass by Kyushu and Shikoku over the weekend. This storm may also converge with tropical storm Higos, which is located further out in the Pacific.