MORE DOOM FOR JAPAN: MAJOR TYPHOON MA-ON NEARS SUPER-TYPHOON STATUS

"... the threat to Japan is increasing."

[link to www.accuweather.com]


"Typhoon Ma-on is forecast to strike Japan at about 19:00 GMT on 19 July. Data supplied by the US Navy and Air Force Joint Typhoon Warning Center suggest that the point of landfall will be near 33.0 N,135.3 E. Ma-on is expected to bring 1-minute maximum sustained winds to the region of around 212 km/h (132 mph). Wind gusts in the area may be considerably higher.

"According to the Saffir-Simpson damage scale, the potential property damage and flooding from a storm of Ma-on's strength (category 4) at landfall includes:

•Storm surge generally 4.0-5.5 metres (13-18 feet) above normal.
•Curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences.
•Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down.
•Complete destruction of mobile homes.
•Extensive damage to doors and windows.
•Low-lying escape routes may be cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the centre of the storm.
•Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore.
•Terrain lower than 3 metres (10 feet) above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 10 km (6 miles).

"There is also the potential for flooding further inland due to heavy rain."

[link to www.trust.org]