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As of 1 p.m. Monday, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported that Typhoon Maria, also designated as Typhoon No. 5, had a central atmospheric pressure of 994 hectopascals and maximum sustained winds of 72 kph, with gusts reaching up to 108 kph. The typhoon is anticipated to diminish in intensity, transitioning to a tropical storm by Tuesday.
In Nakatosa, Kochi Prefecture, the situation is particularly dire. Kohei Kiyooka, 39, a disaster prevention staffer at a local nursing home, described the heightened urgency following the recent advisory. With many residents reliant on wheelchairs or bedridden, the absence of nearby high ground adds to the urgency. Kiyooka has proactively secured seven “tsunami lifeboats” from the town—each capable of carrying 20 people—as a contingency measure. Despite these preparations, the challenge remains in securing alternative accommodation and ensuring timely evacuation. “We urgently need to discuss with the prefectural and central governments about securing alternative shelters,” Kiyooka emphasized.
The JMA has also issued Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information as part of its ongoing assessment of the seismic situation. This alert is intended to evaluate the likelihood of a subsequent megaquake in the Nankai Trough region, which has historically been prone to large-scale seismic events. The agency is closely monitoring the situation and analyzing data to determine any potential connections between the recent earthquake and the seismic activity in the Nankai Trough.