Japan is bracing for the convergence of two tropical storms, Mekkhala and Higos, prompting officials to issue landslide warnings and evacuation orders for hundreds of thousands of residents.

Mekkhala, downgraded from a typhoon to a severe tropical storm, passed near Taiwan and Okinawa on Friday, packing wind gusts of up to 144 km/h. It is expected to make landfall on Kyushu early Saturday.

Higos is approaching from the east across the Philippine Sea and may converge with Mekkhala over Japan, potentially triggering the Fujiwhara Effect, which makes storm behavior unpredictable.

Over 200 flights were canceled by Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, and dozens of train services suspended. Toyota and Nissan halted production at some plants in Kyushu due to road closures.

Heavy rains have already begun in western Japan, with rivers rising in Kyoto and Osaka. Authorities warn of possible flooding and landslides as the storms approach.

Source: www.dw.com