Tropical storms trigger evacuations and flight cancellations in Japan and Taiwan

Tropical storm Mekkhala is affecting the region, with wind speeds reported between 108 and 144 km/h by different sources. In Taiwan, the storm has caused flooding and landslides, resulting in two deaths: a 73-year-old woman in Kaohsiung and a 49-year-old woman in Hsinchu, where a 65-year-old man remains missing. Japan has recommended that over one million residents evacuate due to landslide and flood risks, particularly in the Kyoto, Osaka, Okinawa, and Kagoshima prefectures. Over 120 flights operated by Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have been cancelled. The Japanese military also cancelled a V-22 Osprey flight to Miyako Island. Meteorologists warn that Mekkhala may intersect with tropical storm Higos, potentially creating the Fujiwhara effect, which would complicate future path predictions. The storms are expected to traverse the islands of Kyushu, Shikoku, and Honshu over the weekend.