Typhoon Nanmadol: Japan braced for 'most violent' storm in decades

Millions seek shelter as Japanese weather agency issues rare 'special warning'

Trees in Miyazaki on the island of Kyushu are blown by strong winds as Typhoon Nanmadol approaches south-western Japan. EPA

A crowded Hakata station in Fukuoka, Kyushu, after the typhoon caused the suspension of train services. EPA

The Japanese Meteorological Agency issued a 'special warning' about the storm's 270 kilometre an hour gusts. EPA

Millions of people in the path of the storm have been advised to shelter in strong buildings. EPA

High waves hit the coastline as the typhoon approaches Izumi, Kagoshima prefecture. AFP

A car passes a tree toppled by high winds. AFP

A sign at Hakata station notifies commuters of the suspension of train services. AFP

A cyclist braves the rains in Miyazaki. Reuters

The approaching weather system brings heavy rain to Tokyo. AFP

A maintenance worker in Tokyo battles against the weather. AFP

Fishing boats moored in Minamata, Kumamoto. It is feared that coastal areas will sustain heavy damage. AFP

A satellite picture shows Typhoon Nanmadol near the southern remote islands of Japan on Saturday. AFP

A Japanese Meteorological Agency official said the typhoon had been classified in its top category of 'violent'. AFP

Two million people in Japan were told on Saturday to seek shelter before the arrival of Typhoon Nanmadol, national broadcaster NHK said, as the weather agency issued a rare “special warning” about the powerful storm.

NHK, which compiles alerts issued by local authorities, said level four evacuation instructions — the second highest — were in place for people in Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Miyazaki in the southern Kyushu region.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest alert for the Kagoshima region, a warning that comes when it forecasts conditions only seen once in several decades.

It is the first typhoon-linked special warning issued outside of the Okinawa region since the current system began in 2013.

On Saturday, Typhoon Nanmadol was classed at the agency's top category of “violent”, and was gusting at up to 270 kilometres an hour as it hovered about 200 kilometres north-east of Minami Daito island, part of a string of remote isles that form the Okinawa region.

The storm is expected to approach or make landfall on Sunday in Kagoshima prefecture, then move north the following day before heading towards Japan's main island.

“There are risks of unprecedented storms, high waves, storm surges, and record rainfall,” said Ryuta Kurora, head of Japan Meteorological Agency's forecast unit.

“Maximum caution is required. It's a very dangerous typhoon.”

“The wind will be so fierce that some houses might collapse.”

The evacuation warnings call on people to move to shelter or alternative accommodation that can withstand extreme weather.

But they are not mandatory, and during past extreme weather events authorities have struggled to convince residents to take shelter quickly enough.

Mr Kurora said even inside strong buildings, residents should take precautions.

“Please move into sturdy buildings before violent winds start to blow and stay away from windows even inside sturdy buildings,” he said.

Japan is currently in typhoon season and faces about 20 such storms a year. They bring heavy rains that can cause landslides or flash floods.

In 2019, Typhoon Hagibis smashed into Japan as it hosted the Rugby World Cup, claiming the lives of more than 100 people.

A year earlier, Typhoon Jebi shut down Kansai Airport in Osaka, killing 14 people.

And in 2018, floods and landslides killed more than 200 people in western Japan during the country's annual rainy season.

Before Typhoon Nanmadol's arrival, flight cancellations began to affect regional airports including those in Kagoshima, Miyazaki and Kumamoto, according to the websites of Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways.

Scientists say climate change is increasing the severity of storms and causing extreme weather such as heatwaves, droughts and flash floods to become more frequent and intense.