2014-07-08 18:52:00

Typhoon sweeps through southern Japan


(Vatican Radio) A typhoon is battering southern Japan, where authorities have urged more than half a million people to seek shelter.

Listen to Alastair Wanklyn’s report:

At least 17 people have been reported injured, while others are missing.

The typhoon caused extensive flooding and strong winds tore the roofs off buildings.

At sea, 14-meter waves were expected. Fishing boat crews were among some of the first reported victims, and China and Taiwan ordered their shipping to keep out of the storm's path.

Japan gets typhoons every year, but this one has come unusually early.

Authorities have been urging hundreds of thousands of people who live in the storm's path to evacuate into sturdy public buildings such as schools and sports stadiums, where local councils have an obligation to look after them.

In the Philippines last year, Typhoon Haiyan killed many people because they had nowhere to evacuate to.

In Japan, the greater risk is thought to be from flooding and landslides.

The storm weakened slightly as it hit outlying islands, but then changed course and continued towards Japan's main islands, threatening further damage. Japan's meteorological agency said people should refrain from nonessential activities as the storm approached.








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