THE Myanmar Embassy to Japan issued an urgent safety advisory on 27 June, calling on Myanmar citizens to closely follow local emergency declarations as twin tropical storms close in on the country.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, No 7 Typhoon Mekkhala has reached 120 kilometres north of Kumejima Island in Okinawa Prefecture at 9:50 am on 26 June with a movement of 20 kilometres per hour towards the north-east, while No 8 Typhoon Higos has approached southern Japan at 10:10 am on 26 June with a movement of 35 kilometres per hour towards the north, it said.
The storms will pass near the eastern Pacific Coast of Japan, including Tokyo and enter the inland region on 27 June, according to reports, the embassy added.
The storms will lead to torrential rains in most areas, with a risk of floods and landslides. The wind speed is expected to be 144 kilometres per hour in Amami and Okinawa, and the risk of landslides needs to be considered due to heavy rains, it said. Many flights were cancelled, as well as train and road travel, it elaborated.
Authorities have issued warnings in many areas to evacuate. Level 4 evacuation order was issued for about 2.23 million people from a total of 13 prefectures, and a Level 5 emergency warning was issued for 529 people in Kyoto Prefecture, it said. Torrential rains have continued, and damages are expected to increase due to strong winds, it said.
Myanmar nationals in Japan are urged to pay close attention to information released by local authorities and the JMA and evacuate to a safe area. Myanmar nationals will need to follow the directives of respective local authorities and spread this announcement to others nearby, said the embassy. — MT/ZS