KYOTO, Japan (CCTV) — A powerful typhoon ripped into southern Japan on Sunday, dumping torrential rain, halting train services and affecting tourism.
Typhoon Talim made landfall in Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, around 11:30 on Sunday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Because of strong winds, power has been cut off in the Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Miyazaki prefectures, affecting more than 3,000 households.
Nearly 800 flights have been canceled in Kyushu and Shikoku islands as a result of the adverse weather, affecting many tourists and travelers.
“Weather like this is unexpected. I never thought the winds could be so strong. It affects tourism to a certain degree, as it is really inconvenient to reach scenic spots and other places,” said a Chinese tourist.
The typhoon has left four people missing and some 17 injured, according to local media.
Authorities have issued warnings for rainstorms, high seas, and flooding as well as the risk of possible landslides, and advised locals not to go outside during the inclement weather conditions.
“We will issue evacuation instructions based on the information we receive about possible rainstorms and landslides,” said Ryou Kawanishi, chief of the Kyoto Promotion Office on General Affairs and Disaster Management under Kyoto City Disaster Response Headquarters.
Many tourists are also anxiously waiting for the worst of the weather to pass.
“We are from Sendai, and we are planning to take a plane back tomorrow. Because of the typhoon, we may not be able to go back,” said a Japanese tourist.
“We have to get to work the day after tomorrow,” said another tourist.
The Japanese meteorological agency said the typhoon was expected to head northwards to Hokkaido, dumping heavy rain across an even larger area on Monday.