A Ferrari dealership on an artificial island called Rokko Island in the city of Kobe, Japan was absolutely hammered by typhoon Jebi. This storm is said to be the most powerful typhoon that hit Japan in 25 years. The storm sent a three-foot storm surge into the showroom for the high-end dealership.
Inside that showroom were 53 new and used Ferrari cars, some of which had already been sold. Out of the 53 total Ferraris in the showroom, 51 of them were totaled by the storm. Employees of the dealership tried valiantly to save the cars by putting tarps over the doors and using sandbags.
The Devastation of Typhoon Jebi
Typhoon Jebi, which struck Japan in early September, brought with it unprecedented destruction. The storm’s powerful winds and torrential rains caused widespread flooding and damage across multiple regions. Rokko Island, an artificial island in Kobe, was particularly vulnerable due to its low elevation and proximity to the sea. The Ferrari dealership, located in a prime spot on the island, bore the brunt of the storm’s fury.
The three-foot storm surge that inundated the showroom was a direct result of the typhoon’s intense pressure and wind patterns. This surge not only flooded the dealership but also caused significant structural damage to the building. The force of the water was so strong that it overwhelmed the dealership’s defenses, including the tarps and sandbags that employees had hastily put in place.
The Aftermath and Financial Impact
The financial impact of the storm on the dealership was staggering. With a reported $9 million in inventory lost, the dealership faced a significant economic blow. Many of the 51 totaled Ferraris were high-end models, each worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some of these cars had already been sold to customers, adding another layer of complexity to the dealership’s recovery efforts.
One might wonder why the dealership didn’t simply drive the cars to safety. The answer lies in the rapid onset of the storm and the logistical challenges involved. Typhoon Jebi’s approach was swift, leaving little time for comprehensive evacuation plans. Additionally, moving 53 high-value cars in such a short period would have required significant manpower and coordination, which may not have been feasible under the circumstances.
The dealership’s employees did their best to mitigate the damage, but the sheer power of the storm was too much to overcome. The aftermath saw many of the totaled cars being scrapped, a sad end for such luxurious vehicles. The loss of these Ferraris not only represented a financial hit but also a blow to the dealership’s reputation and customer trust.
The broader impact of Typhoon Jebi on Japan was equally severe. The storm caused widespread power outages, transportation disruptions, and significant damage to infrastructure. The economic cost of the typhoon was estimated to be in the billions, with many businesses and individuals facing long recovery periods.
The devastation wrought by Typhoon Jebi on the Ferrari dealership in Kobe serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the vulnerabilities of even the most well-prepared businesses. The loss of 51 Ferraris, valued at $9 million, underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and the challenges of protecting high-value assets in the face of such overwhelming natural forces.
via Autoblog
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