Powerful Typhoon Phanfone hits Japan

Typhoon Phanfone, which struck central Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture, early Monday, also forced the cancellation of more than 600 flights.

Authorities in Tokyo have asked residents to refrain from leaving their homes. They also ordered the evacuation of more than 50,000 people throughout the country.

As a result of the typhoon, at least one person was killed and three others still remain missing.

Reports say three of the victims are American airmen.

A 21-year-old surfer has also gone missing in the city of Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Winds up to 180 kilometers per hour reportedly gushed through an area near Yokohama, south of the capital, Tokyo.

The storm moved northeast after whirling over the capital, Tokyo, at around 11:00 a.m. (0200 GMT). The typhoon is expected to head directly toward Tokyo.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the country witnesses about 11 typhoons a year.

The latest typhoon comes as rescue teams were still searching for the remains of victims of the volcanic eruption of Mount Ontake which occurred late last month.

Source: PressTV