🔗 Share this article

The Izu Islands have endured another powerful blow as tropical cyclone Nakri swept through the region on Monday, following in the footsteps of Typhoon Halong, which struck seven days prior.

Immediate Impact on Hachijojima Island

Local authorities on Hachijojima reported disruption and damage to about 220 homes after the storm brought 37mm (1.5in) of rain in one hour and wind bursts reaching 95mph. Airport operations were disrupted, infrastructure damaged, and heavy rainfall triggered landslides across the group of islands. The typhoon also produced waves as high as 9 meters, leading to hazardous shoreline situations. Near Oiso on the Pacific side, in the Kanagawa region, three men were swept away while fishing, with one fatality reported.

The Evolution of Nakri

The storm has since shifted into an non-tropical storm system, weakening as it moved eastwards over chilled northern Pacific seas, with gusts reducing to around 65mph as of Thursday. Riding the jet stream, its remnants are on track to reach British Columbia, Canada, delivering intense precipitation, powerful gusts, and coastal flooding.

Remembering Halong's Impact

A week earlier, Halong discharged over 200mm of precipitation within three hours, as peak wind speeds hit 122mph. By late morning last Thursday, rainfall totals reached 349mm, breaking the daily rainfall record. The typhoon’s remnants then crossed the north Pacific and reached Alaska on Sunday, bringing a record-breaking 2-metre storm surge.

Significant Harm in Alaska

The seaside communities Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were the most affected. A single fatality occurred, houses were ruined, and about 1,500 residents were forced into shelters. The state underwent one of the largest airlifts in its history to evacuate displaced residents. Halong remains among the strongest cyclones the region has experienced. Its quick strengthening was fuelled by abnormally hot northern Pacific seas, which provided extra heat and moisture.

Double Trouble in Mexico

At the same time, the country endured a double blow last week as the leftovers of Priscilla and Raymond converged, dumping about 609mm of rain in four days across the central and eastern areas. Guided by a trough in the air current, both systems hit the same area in quick succession. The initial heavy rains from Priscilla left the ground saturated, worsening floods as Raymond approached. More than 300 communities were impacted by mudslides and river overflows. By Wednesday, 66 people have been confirmed dead and 75 remain missing. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing, with standing water causing health worries in isolated areas.