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The Izu archipelago have endured another powerful blow as Typhoon Nakri swept through the region on Monday, following in the footsteps of storm Halong, which hit a week earlier.

Initial Consequences on the Island of Hachijojima

Officials on Hachijojima Island reported disruption and damage to about 220 homes after the storm brought 37mm (1.5in) of rain in one hour and wind bursts reaching 95mph. Flight services were interrupted, infrastructure damaged, and intense rains caused ground slides across the group of islands. The storm also generated 9-metre waves, creating dangerous coastal conditions. Off the Pacific coast in Oiso, in Kanagawa prefecture, three fishermen were carried off by waves, one of whom has been confirmed dead.

Nakri's Transformation

The storm has since shifted into an non-tropical storm system, losing strength while traveling east over chilled northern Pacific seas, with wind speeds dropping to about 65mph as of Thursday. Riding the jet stream, its remnants are on track to reach British Columbia, Canada, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and storm surges.

Recalling Halong's Fury

A week earlier, Halong had unleashed more than 200mm of rain in three hours, as peak wind speeds hit 122mph. By late morning last Thursday, precipitation levels climbed to 349mm, breaking the daily rainfall record. The typhoon’s remnants then crossed the north Pacific and arrived in Alaska on Sunday, bringing a record-breaking 2-metre storm surge.

Alaska's Severe Damage

The coastal villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were the hardest hit. A single fatality occurred, houses were ruined, and about 1,500 residents were forced into shelters. Alaska experienced one of the largest airlifts in its history to evacuate displaced residents. Halong stands as one of the most powerful storms the region has experienced. Its quick strengthening was fuelled by abnormally hot northern Pacific seas, which supplied additional warmth and humidity.

Twin Disasters in Mexico

Meanwhile, the country endured a double blow last week as the leftovers of Priscilla and Raymond combined, dumping about 609mm of rain in four days across central and eastern regions. Guided by a trough in the air current, both systems hit the same area in quick succession. The initial heavy rains from Priscilla left the ground saturated, worsening floods as Raymond approached. Over 300 localities were affected by landslides and overflowing rivers. As of Wednesday, 66 fatalities were verified and 75 individuals are still unaccounted for. Search and relief efforts persist, with standing water causing health worries in remote zones.