Typhoon Shanshan causes widespread disruption in Japan

Trains and flights were cancelled in Japan as one of the strongest typhoons to hit the country in decades devastated cities in its path.

At least six people were killed and more than 100 injured after Typhoon Shanshan made landfall in southwestern Japan on Thursday.

Now downgraded to a tropical storm, Shanshan still has winds of up to 90km/h (56mph).

Thousands of people are still without electricity.

Highest level five order were issued for millions of residents on the southern island of Kyushu as the typhoon approached on Thursday, packing winds of up to 252 km/h.

After making landfall, the storm weakened to a severe tropical storm, but is still moving northeast. Rainfall of up to 300mm (12in) is expected in some places over the next 24 hours.

People in affected areas have been warned of landslides, flooding and widespread damage.

Traces of destruction were visible throughout Typhoon Shanshan’s path, with many buildings damaged by flying debris, trees uprooted and cars overturned or buried under floodwaters.

Heavy rain hit Gifu and Mie prefectures on Saturday, while the Japan Meteorological Agency urged people to “be vigilant against landslides, floods and overflowing rivers”.

“This is the first time I’ve seen a typhoon sweep across the whole of Japan,” a resident of the capital Tokyo told Reuters news agency.

“Typhoons usually move north from Okinawa. So I didn’t expect it to be like this. I was very surprised.”

All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines have canceled dozens of domestic flights.

Bullet train services between Tokyo and Osaka were among those affected throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Shinkansen bullet trains in the central city of Nagoya were also suspended – and there were warnings that more trains could be stopped.

Special typhoon warnings, such as the one issued for Shanshan, are issued in Japan in the event of a very strong typhoon. Similar warnings were issued in September 2022 as Typhoon Nanmadol is approaching Kyushu – The first warning issued in an area other than Okinawa.

Hurricanes in the region are forming closer to the coast, intensifying more quickly and lasting longer over land due to climate change, according to a study published last month.