Japan: The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) on Sunday issued a rare "special warning" as powerful Typhoon Nanmadol is approaching the Kagoshima region. The warning is issued only when conditions seen once in several decades are approaching.
As of today morning, 25,680 households in Kagoshima and neighbouring Miyazaki regions are without power. Public transport including train services, flights, and ferry runs was cancelled until the storm passed. Authorities have urged three million residents to evacuate. Around 8,500 people are already in the shelters in southwestern Japan, reported AFP.
Japan's government is finding it harder to convince residents to take shelter quickly.
Ryuta Kurora, head of the JMA's forecast unit, said on Saturday that the typhoon is dangerous and maximum caution is required. He added that even sturdy buildings are in danger. The region is likely to face "unprecedented" danger from high winds, storm surges, and torrential rain.
On Sunday morning, an official told AFP that rain and wind are getting stronger. "The rain is so heavy that you cannot really see what's out there. It looks all white." So far, injuries or structural damage haven't been reported but the conditions are deteriorating.
The typhoon is expected to make landfall on Sunday evening in Kyushu and turn northeast. It is expected to sweep across Japan's main island through early Wednesday.
Japan's typhoon seasons have been facing around 20 storms a year in the recent past. They often come with heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods. Scientists say that climate change is increasing the severity and frequency of storms and causing extreme weather.