Southwestern Japan Braces For Powerful Typhoon

Southwestern Japan braces for powerful typhoon

People in southwestern Japan are preparing for a powerful typhoon that may become one of the strongest storms to hit Japan in decades.

Haishen could make landfall at close to full strength Sunday or Monday. Weather officials are calling on people to prepare with the utmost caution.

Typhoon Haishen Approaching Southwestern Japan

Typhoon Haishen approaching southwestern Japan

Typhoon Haishen is gathering strength over waters south of Japan. The powerful storm is expected to approach the southwestern part of the country between Sunday and Monday.

Japan's Meteorological Agency said the typhoon was moving westward at a speed of about 20 kilometers per hour as of noon Thursday, Japan time.

At Least 7 Dead In Floods In Southwestern Japan

At least 7 dead in floods in southwestern Japan

Heavy rain in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, triggered floods and mudslides on Saturday, leaving seven people dead. Authorities say 14 people have no vital signs and four are missing.

The record rain inundated many residential areas, although the downpour has eased for now.

Heavy Rains Hit Southwestern Japan

Heavy rains hit southwestern Japan

Torrential rains have drenched southwestern Japan. Weather officials are warning of possible mudslides and flooding in the region.

The Meteorological Agency said damp air was flowing towards the rain front, creating unstable atmospheric conditions over northern Kyushu and bringing rain clouds into the area.

Torrential Rain In Southwestern Japan

Torrential rain in southwestern Japan

The Meteorological Agency says Japan has entered the rainy season, except for the northern part of the Tohoku region.

Agency officials said on Thursday that a seasonal rain front and warm, damp air are creating unstable atmospheric conditions over western and eastern Japan.

Nuclear Reactor In Southwestern Japan Goes Offline

Nuclear reactor in southwestern Japan goes offline

The operator of a nuclear power plant in southwestern Japan has suspended one of its reactors as it cannot meet the deadline for building mandatory facilities to deal with emergencies.

Kyushu Electric Power Company began work to reduce output at the No.1 reactor at the Sendai plant in Kagoshima Prefecture at 2:30 a.m. on Monday. The reactor went offline at 1:01 p.m.