Japan and Taiwan hit by exceptional weather conditions

Japan and Taiwan faced extreme weather conditions on Friday, with torrential rain and the approach of two storms causing mass evacuations, transport disruptions and the closure of many establishments.

In Japan, authorities have ordered the evacuation of approximately one million people due to the high risk of flooding and landslides caused by heavy rainfall. Meteorological services have warned that two successive low-pressure systems could further worsen the situation in several regions of the country.

In Taiwan, torrential rains have led to the closure of offices and schools in four regions. The city of Hsinchu, home to the headquarters of semiconductor giant TSMC, notably suspended operations from noon to protect residents and employees.

In the south of the island, flooding has affected the city of Tainan, where a section of the main railway line linking northern and southern Taiwan has been closed, severely disrupting travel.

Authorities in both countries have called on the population to avoid non-essential travel and to follow safety instructions, while emergency services remain mobilized in the face of the risk of further heavy rains and flash floods.