2024-11-02 08:19:00
In Japan, more than 180,000 people have been asked to leave their homes to escape the effects of tropical storm Kong-rey. Warm and humid air is causing “heavy rain with severe weather in western Japan,” the Japanese Meteorological Agency said on Saturday. The city of Matsuyama issued the highest warning level and urged 189,552 residents to seek safety “immediately.”
Forecasts warned of landslides and flooding in the west of the country on Saturday and in the east on Sunday. Train services have now been suspended on the railway line between Tokyo and the Fukuoka region.
“Kong-rey” hit Taiwan on Thursday as one of the worst storms in recent decades. At least two people were killed and tens of thousands were without power. Kong-rey has since been downgraded from a typhoon to an extratropical depression.
Scientists say human-caused climate change is exacerbating the risk of heavy rainfall because a warmer atmosphere stores more water.
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Tomohiro Sato Missing
**Interview with Dr. Sato Nishimura, Climate Scientist and Policy Advisor**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Nishimura. With over 180,000 residents evacuated in Japan due to tropical storm Kong-rey, what do you think this incident signals about our current climate situation?
**Dr. Nishimura:** Thank you for having me. The evacuation of such a large number of people underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events, which many scientists attribute to climate change. Storms like Kong-rey are becoming more common as our atmosphere warms and can hold more moisture, leading to heavy rainfall and dangerous conditions.
**Interviewer:** Some critics argue that while we discuss climate impacts, we also need to address immediate responses and preparedness. Do you think Japan is doing enough to bolster community resilience against such events?
**Dr. Nishimura:** That’s a contentious point. Japan has advanced disaster preparedness systems in many areas, but as climate change exacerbates weather patterns, we need to invest further in infrastructure and proactive measures. This could include improving forecasting technology and creating more robust support for evacuation and recovery efforts.
**Interviewer:** It’s a complex issue. Many people argue that while climate policies like Japan’s Green Transformation initiative are essential, immediate solutions are just as crucial. Should we prioritize one over the other?
**Dr. Nishimura:** It’s a balance, really. Long-term climate policies are critical for addressing the root causes of climate change, but they often don’t translate into immediate action for those affected by disasters like Kong-rey. Both immediate response and long-term planning are necessary, and neglecting either could lead to more devastating consequences in the future.
**Interviewer:** Final question: What would you say to those who remain skeptical about the links between climate change and extreme weather events?
**Dr. Nishimura:** I would encourage them to look at the growing body of scientific evidence that clearly shows how climate change is influencing weather patterns, including storms. Ignoring these links could hinder our ability to prepare for and mitigate future disasters. It’s time for all of us to start taking this seriously.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Nishimura, for your insights on such an urgent issue.
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**Discussion Prompt for Readers:** Given the increasing frequency of severe weather events like tropical storm Kong-rey, do you think Japan’s current climate policies are enough to protect its citizens, or should more immediate disaster response measures take priority? What balance should be struck between long-term climate action and short-term preparedness?
