Tropical storm Mekkhala swept across the southern Ryukyu Islands of Japan today. Though downgraded, it still carried gusts up to 108 km/h. Heavy rains have fallen across many areas in southern and western Japan.

The storm previously skirted Taiwan, bringing torrential rain and paralyzing many areas and forcing about 6 million people to stay home from school and work.

Positions of tropical storm Mekkhala (number 7) and tropical storm Higos (number 8) approaching Japan at 13h today. Graphic: JMA

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) forecasts Mekkhala to accelerate on 27/6, approaching the country's main islands of Kyushu, Shikoku, and Honshu and affecting many regions, including major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

At the same time, tropical storm Higos is forecast to approach eastern Japan and potentially make landfall. This could lead to the Fujiwhara effect, a phenomenon occurring when two storms interact, making efforts to predict their movement and intensity significantly more challenging.

"There is a risk of extremely heavy rain, reaching warning levels", said Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara.

Japanese officials have reported one seriously injured person and three slightly injured people due to the storms, as well as flooding primarily in southern Kagoshima prefecture. The government is collaborating with local authorities to implement "emergency disaster response measures".

Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism stated that over 200 flights have been canceled, dozens of train services have also been suspended, and many expressways closed.

Kamo river waters rising and flowing rapidly due to heavy rain in Kyoto on 26/6. Photo: Reuters

Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency said that local authorities have advised the evacuation of over one million residents in areas potentially affected by the storms, while also warning of landslide risks and other disasters caused by heavy rain.

Officials in Kyoto and Osaka reported rising river levels, warning of potential flooding.

Japan's Ministry of Defense canceled the planned first flight of a V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft to Miyako Island, which was part of a joint exercise with the United States, according to Kyodo News.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP, Reuters, Kyodo News)