International Desk: Hundreds of flights were canceled as a powerful typhoon barreled toward southern Japan on Tuesday, and officials urged thousands of people in the region to evacuate. News from AFP. According to the news, while crossing the Pacific Ocean, the maximum speed of this cyclone named ‘Khanun’ was 162 km per hour. It is expected to hit Japan’s Okinawa region on Tuesday night. About 370,000 people in cities across the region were urged to evacuate as Japan’s weather agency issued a warning of 12-meter (39-foot) high waves hitting the Okinawa islands.
The storm is about 240 kilometers southeast of the regional capital, Naha, the agency said in its latest update. They described it as a ‘very strong’ storm. Nahar officials said that the impact of this cyclone may cause strong winds and heavy rains. For this reason, they urged residents at risk to move to safer places.
An Okinawa regional government official told AFP on condition of anonymity, “Many people in the region are staying in their homes because their houses are made of concrete.” “But for those living alone or in wooden houses in low-lying areas, we have asked them to consider moving to safer places before the cyclone hits.” Meanwhile, Japan’s national broadcaster, NHK, reported that more than 500 flights were canceled and regional ferry and bus services were suspended on Tuesday due to the disaster.
Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways said more than 74,000 passengers would be affected by flight cancellations on Tuesday and Wednesday.
