Overview
- Mekkhala was downgraded to a tropical storm but its outer bands have already dumped torrential rain across Taiwan, prompting the suspension of schools and public offices that affect millions of people.
- Japan ordered evacuations for more than 2.2 million people and suspended hundreds of flights, rail services and highways, with over 200 flights canceled in the initial disruption.
- Local officials in Hualien began preventive evacuation of more than 200 residents who live downstream of a rapidly filling barrier lake, a decision shaped by a 2025 barrier-lake collapse that killed 19 people.
- Major firms took protective steps: Toyota paused production at a Kyushu plant and some local operations were halted, while TSMC said it activated safety protocols but its plants continued running.
- Meteorological agencies say rain will continue for several days, keeping flood and landslide risks high and leaving millions more facing transport interruptions, workplace closures and possible supply-chain effects.