September 26, 1959 - Typhoon Vera Strikes!
Damage totals from Typhoon Vera reached US$600 million (equivalent to US$5.26 billion in 2019).
Typhoon Vera, also known as the Isewan Typhoon, was an exceptionally intense tropical cyclone that struck Japan in September 1959, becoming the strongest and deadliest typhoon on record to make landfall on the country. Photo: Supportstorm/NASA.
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Typhoon Vera, also known as the Isewan Typhoon, was an exceptionally intense tropical cyclone that struck Japan in September 1959, becoming the strongest and deadliest typhoon on record to make landfall in the country.
The storm's intensity resulted in catastrophic damage of unparalleled severity and extent, and was a major setback to the Japanese economy, which was still recovering from the Second World War.
Upon moving ashore Honshu on Sept. 26, the typhoon brought a strong storm surge that destroyed numerous flood defense systems, inundating coastal regions and sinking ships. Damage totals from Vera reached US$600 million (equivalent to US$5.26 billion in 2019).
The number of fatalities caused by Vera remain debatable, though current estimates indicate that the typhoon caused more than 5,000 deaths, making it one of the deadliest typhoons in Japanese history. It also injured nearly 39,000 people and made 1.5 million people homeless.
On today's podcast, Chris Mei discusses the timeline of Typhoon Vera and its devastating impacts on Japan.
"This Day In Weather History” is a daily podcast by The Weather Network that features unique and informative stories from host Chris Mei.