Typhoon lashes Japan, landslide fears prompt evacuation call

Japan: Japanese authorities advised 280,000 people to evacuate their homes as a typhoon lashed southern Kyushu island and western Japan on Tuesday, bringing torrential rains and winds gusting over 110 miles an hour (180 kph).

^{Passengers wait at Hakata station while a train service is suspended after Typhoon Goni hit Fukuoka (Photo: AP)}

The risk of landslides prompted officials in Yamaguchi prefecture to issue the warning, according to public broadcaster NHK. More than 20 people were injured as a result of the typhoon, and some flights and train services were suspended.

^{The roof of a car wash topples at a gas station after Typhoon Goni hit Amakusa, Kumamoto prefecture, southwestern Japan (Photo: AP)}

Japan’s Metrological Agency said it was moving to the north, and forecast a maximum 200 mm (4.8 inches) of rain an hour.

^{A prefabricated hut topples into a street after Typhoon Goni hit Kitakyushu, Fukuoka prefecture, southwestern Japan (Photo: AP)}

Japan Airlines Co Ltd suspended 110 domestic flights and ANA Holdings Inc cancelled 78. International flights were unaffected, the airlines said.

^{Passengers wait at Hakata station at a closed entrance gate with a note informing a train service is suspended, after Typhoon Goni hit Fukuoka (Photo: AP)}