Storm Maria devastates northern Japan: 315,000 evacuees
The storm has released an unprecedented amount of water causing severe flooding
The north-east of Japan was severely tested by the fury of tropical storm Maria, which hit the Japanese archipelago with unheard of violence. Classified as a “strong tropical storm”, a level below typhoon, Maria touched down in the Iwate region, bringing with it torrential rains and raging winds that have disrupted the lives of millions.
A wall of water
The storm has released an unprecedented amount of water, spilling the equivalent of two months’ worth of rain in just 24 hours. The city of Kuji was particularly affected, recording the highest level of rainfall since 1978: 362 millimetres. This water wall has triggered flash floods, flooding roads, houses and fields, and straining local infrastructure.
Mass evacuations and transport disruptions
Faced with such an emergency, the Japanese authorities immediately activated security protocols, ordering the evacuation of approximately 315,000 people. Thousands of residents have been forced to leave their homes and take refuge in shelters set up by local authorities.
Transport has been paralyzed. The storm has caused the cancellation of dozens of domestic flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. The rail system has also been hit hard, with several lines suspended due to landslides and flooding. High speed, although still operating, has suffered significant delays.
The impact on the environment and the economy
In addition to infrastructure damage and hardship for the population, storm Maria has had a significant impact on the environment. Heavy rains have caused landslides and soil erosion, jeopardising the stability of slopes and causing damage to crops. Authorities also fear possible pollution of groundwater by sewage and debris from flooding.
The local economy will inevitably suffer a severe blow. Businesses, especially those linked to tourism and agriculture, will have to face huge economic losses in order to repair the damage and restart production activities.
Lessons from learning
Storm Maria is a further warning of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events caused by climate change. It is crucial to invest in prevention and adaptation measures, such as building more resilient infrastructure and developing increasingly effective early warning systems. Only through increased awareness and international cooperation will it be possible to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and protect the most vulnerable communities.