Typhoon Lan hits Japan, tens of thousands forced to evacuate

The typhoon forced the cancellation of more than 300 flights and rail services were interrupted in southern and western parts of the country. By evening, wind and rain were intensifying in Tokyo.

Authorities issued warnings for heavy rain and flooding on the Pacific side of Japan, including the Tokyo metropolitan area, even though the typhoon is likely to be downgraded.

Typhoon Lan, classified as an intense Category 4 storm by the Tropical Storm Risk monitoring site, was south of Japan and moving northeast at 40 kph on Sunday afternoon, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he had called on the Government to take steps as early as possible to minimise any threats to people’s lives./.