Japan on alert as typhoon Namtheun approaches

Authorities on Sunday issued advisories of heavy rain, high waves and possible floods in Kyushu island of Japan as typhoon Namtheun approached the area, the weather office here said.

Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued advisories for northern parts of Kyushu area as the typhoon approached the island, while parts of Iwate prefecture in the northeast continued to struggle with flood damage, EFE news reported.

The storm was moving north over the ocean and was ecxpected to make landfall in northern Kyushu by late Sunday or on Monday, according to local media.

Up to 200 mm of rains were predicted in Kyushu, and 150 mm in Shikoku and Kansai islands until Monday noon.

Nakanoshima island recorded 129.5 mm of rainfall per hour on Saturday, the largest amount so far recorded there, and south of Kyushu was also lashed with heavy rain and high winds.

In Iwaizumi, landslides, floods and fallen trees on Saturday left 622 persons cut off from outside, with another 212 persons isolated in Kuji.

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Forces personnel were deployed in the area to rescue those trapped, distribute daily necessities, help the injured and restore damaged water supply which has affected 7,026 persons.

Electricity was also cut off to about 2,400 households in Iwaizumi.

Earlier this week, Japan was hit by another typhoon Lionrock that claimed 16 lives and the number was expected to rise as rescue operations continued in northern Japan.

Rain caused by Lionrock led to overflowing rivers and severe flooding.

--IANS

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