Typhoon Noru slams into western Japan
TOKYO: Strong typhoon Noru made landfall in western Japan yesterday after killing two people on outlying islands, as authorities warned against landslides and floods.
The typhoon with gusts up to 162 kilometres per hour hit the northern part of Wakayama prefecture at around 3.30pm ( 0630 GMT) after whipping up waves and winds off southern Japanese islands at the weekend, the meteorological agency said.
Television footage showed high foamy waves smashing into breakwaters in Wakayama, while roof tiles were ripped off homes in neighbouring Mie.
The storm, bringing heavy rain and strong winds, was slowly moving northeast toward central Japan, the agency said.
A man in his 60s on the southern island of Yakushima died Saturday after falling in strong gusts and hitting his head. Another man in his 80s on neighbouring Tanegashima island drowned the same day after he went to check on his boat and was swept into the water, a local official said.
Public broadcaster NHK, meanwhile, said 17 people were injured in typhoon-related accidents.
Noru also forced airlines to cancel some 400 flights, mainly in western Japan, NHK added.
The agency warned of ‘severe winds’ and urged residents in the region to stay on high alert against landsides and floods as well as high waves. — AFP