Tropical Storm Mekkhala forces evacuations in Japan and causes deaths in Taiwan

Japan ordered more than one million residents to evacuate as Tropical Storm Mekkhala approached, warning of landslides and flooding. Authorities reported four injuries, cancelled over 200 flights, suspended dozens of train services, closed highways and halted production at a Toyota plant in Kyushu.

In Taiwan, the storm brought heavy rains that triggered floods and landslides, killing at least two people—a 73‑year‑old woman swept away in Kaohsiung and a 49‑year‑old man whose vehicle was submerged in Hsinchu. Over 1,600 people were forced from their homes, schools and many public services were shut, and rail services were disrupted. Meteorologists noted that Mekkhala may interact with nearby Tropical Storm Higos, potentially producing a Fujiwhara effect.