Typhoon Shanshan hits Japan, hundreds evacuated as strong winds and heavy rains lash Kyushu

Typhoon Shanshan lashed southwest Japan on Thursday, causing havoc with heavy rains and strong winds. Hundreds of people were ordered to evacuate their homes, and life in Japan came to a standstill.

At least three people were killed so far and many got injured as the typhoon hit the city causing power outages, affecting air traffic and forcing the factories to close. 

Domestic flights connecting southwestern cities and islands were cancelled. The storm also affected bullet trains and some local train services.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters that three people had died and one person was missing in incidents relating to the typhoon. The disaster management authorities said at least 45 people suffered injuries. 

Injuries were reported in Miyazaki, Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures. 

After hitting Kyushu, typhoon Shanshan is expected to approach the central and eastern regions, including the capital Tokyo, the weather agency said. 

More than 5.2 million people have been issued evacuation notices across the country, authorities said. 

Some areas of central Japan, hit by the storm, also ordered evacuation. 

Landslide was reported in several regions including Gamagori, killing three residents and injuring two others. 

Train services have been suspended in many areas of Kyushu, while hundreds of bus and ferry services have also been halted. 

After the typhoon Ampil earlier this month, Shanshan was the latest harsh weather system to hit Japan.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Shanshan was moving north at 15 kph and its winds had weakened to 126 kph. 

Disaster Management Minister Yoshifumi Matsumura said the typhoon could cause unprecedented levels of violent winds, high waves, storm surges and heavy rain. At a task force meeting on Wednesday, he urged people, especially older adults, not to hesitate and to take shelter whenever there is any safety concern.