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Japan braces for Typhoon Halong

August 9, 2014

A typhoon is expected to rip through Japan's main island. More than half a million residents have been ordered to evacuate their homes in the western part of the country.

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Japan Gefahr von nahendem Taifun Halong
Image: picture-alliance/Kyodo

On Saturday, Typhoon Halong brought heavy rain and winds of 180 kilometers per hour (110 miles per hour) to western Japan, injuring at least 20 people. Weather authorities warned of mudslides, high waves and swollen rivers.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued an alert for Mie prefecture, about 300 kilometers west of Tokyo, prompting evacuation orders in some cities. The storm was expected to dump 70 centimeters (30 inches) of rain on the southwestern island of Shikoku, and 50-60 centimeters in the west and center of Japan's main island, Honshu.

"It's an abnormal situation that poses a serious danger," Satoshi Ebihara, an official with the Japan Meteorological Agency, said at a news conference on Saturday, urging residents to follow local authorities' instructions for safe evacuation.

Typhoon Halong has also brought disruption to outer areas, forcing the cancellations of about 500 flights and stranding up to 20,000 holidaymakers as well as those on trips for the annual Buddhist holiday week of Obon. Airlines have also canceled 140 flights scheduled for Sunday, the national broadcaster NHK reported. Operators have canceled most ferry and train services on Shikoku and authorities have closed highways at several points.

The meteorological agency has also predicted heavy rain for Tokyo on Sunday, though officials expect the storm to veer off to the Sea of Japan before hitting the capital.

Just one month ago, Japan was battered by Typhoon Neoguri.

Across the Pacific

In Hawaii, meanwhile, Hurricane Julio is expected to come within 255 kilometers (160 miles) northeast of the US archipelago-state's biggest island on Sunday. Julio is packing winds of 160 kilometers per hour. Meteorologists said that if Julio stayed on its route unchanged, it would weaken.

On Friday, tropical storm Iselle downed trees, caused flooding and knocked out power to 21,000 homes on Hawaii's main island. Airlines canceled about 50 flights.

Stores and schools were closed. No major injuries were reported.

mkg/pfd (AFP, dpa, AP)