Japan Evacuates 2.2 Million as Typhoon Mekkhala Approaches

Mass Evacuations Underway Across Southern Japan

Japan ordered the evacuation of 2.2 million residents on June 26, 2026, as Typhoon Mekkhala barreled toward the southern Ryukyu Islands, bringing destructive winds of up to 144 km/h and record-breaking rainfall. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued the second-highest warning level across multiple prefectures, urging residents in low-lying and coastal areas to seek shelter immediately. The storm, which earlier lashed Taiwan with torrential downpours, has already caused widespread transport disruption and raised fears of catastrophic flooding and landslides.

Mekkhala, the seventh named storm of the 2026 Pacific typhoon season, peaked as a Category 4 typhoon on June 22 with sustained winds of 145 mph before weakening as it approached Japan. The JMA warned that the storm could trigger tornadoes, lightning, and storm surges of 2–4 meters above normal tide levels. The 2026 Pacific typhoon season has been unusually active, with this being the latest in a series of powerful storms to threaten the region.

Record Rainfall and Infrastructure Disruption

Prior to Mekkhala's arrival, southwestern Japan had already been battered by a separate storm system. In Nagasaki, over 540 millimeters of rain fell in just 72 hours—a record for the region. In Sasebo city, a hillside collapsed near a residential home, damaging a shed and several vehicles, though the house itself was spared, according to public broadcaster NHK. In Kochi and Kumamoto prefectures, rainfall reached 64.5 mm, while the Tokai, Kinki, and Shikoku regions braced for up to 200 mm of rain—double what the Dutch KNMI considers "fairly extreme" for a single day.

Transport networks ground to a halt as authorities canceled more than 200 flights, suspended dozens of train services, and closed major expressways. Toyota halted operations at a factory in Kyushu as a precaution. The economic impact of typhoon disruptions in Japan often runs into billions of dollars, affecting supply chains across the automotive and electronics sectors.

Taiwan Also Hit Hard

Before reaching Japan, Typhoon Mekkhala swept past Taiwan, where its outer bands unleashed extreme rainfall. The Central Weather Administration issued its highest "extremely torrential rain" alert for Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Pingtung County. Approximately 6 million people stayed home from work or school as authorities closed offices and schools. In Tainan, severe flooding forced the shutdown of a section of the main north-south railway line. Nearly 200 residents in Hualien County were evacuated due to a rapidly filling barrier lake holding about 780,000 cubic meters of water. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reported that its facilities in Hsinchu continued normal operations despite the heavy rain. No casualties were reported in Taiwan, though forecasters warned that heavy rain could persist for another week.

Double Typhoon Threat and Earthquake

Compounding the crisis, the JMA warned that Mekkhala could merge with another storm system, intensifying the weather and making it harder to predict. Meanwhile, on June 25, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture in northern Japan at a depth of 50 kilometers. The quake injured eight people—mostly from falls or falling objects—but did not trigger a tsunami. The coincidence of seismic and meteorological disasters tested Japan's emergency response capabilities, though no major structural damage was reported from the earthquake.

Japan's rainy season, which runs through June and July, typically brings humid and sultry conditions rather than constant downpours. However, extreme events are becoming more frequent. In 2018, "historically heavy" rain killed dozens and forced nearly 5 million people to evacuate. The Japan typhoon season 2026 preparedness measures have been bolstered by early warning systems and community drills, but the scale of this event underscores the growing challenges posed by climate change.

Expert and Official Reactions

"The situation is extremely serious. We urge everyone in the warning zones to evacuate immediately. Do not wait until it is too late," said a spokesperson for the Japan Meteorological Agency. "This storm has the potential to cause widespread devastation."

In Taiwan, a resident of Kaohsiung told local media: "We have never seen rain like this. The streets turned into rivers in minutes. We are grateful for the early warnings that gave us time to prepare."

FAQ: Typhoon Mekkhala and Japan Evacuations

What is Typhoon Mekkhala?

Typhoon Mekkhala is a tropical cyclone that formed in the western Pacific in June 2026. It peaked as a Category 4 typhoon with winds of 145 mph and is one of the strongest storms of the 2026 Pacific typhoon season.

How many people were evacuated in Japan?

Japan ordered the evacuation of 2.2 million people across 13 prefectures, primarily in the southern regions of Okinawa, Kyushu, and the Ryukyu Islands.

What damage did Mekkhala cause in Taiwan?

In Taiwan, extreme rainfall caused severe flooding in southern cities, shutting down schools and businesses for 6 million people. Rail lines were cut, and nearly 200 residents were evacuated due to a barrier lake risk. No casualties were reported.

Why is the 2026 typhoon season so active?

The 2026 season has been the most active since 1976, with twelve tropical cyclones forming by mid-June. This is attributed to warm ocean temperatures (27–29°C) and a transition from La Niña to neutral ENSO conditions, which favor cyclone formation.

What should travelers do during a typhoon in Japan?

Travelers should monitor JMA warnings, follow evacuation orders, book refundable accommodations, and avoid travel during storm peaks. Trains usually run until one hour before landfall, flights cancel earlier, and ferries cancel first.

Sources

• Japan Meteorological Agency
• The Independent
• Business Standard
• The Straits Times
• The Japan Times