Japan issues emergency warning as powerful typhoon approaches

Japan issued an emergency warning on Aug 28 as powerful Typhoon Shanshan approached the south-western region with heavy rain and strong winds, prompting Toyota Motor to suspend operations at all its domestic factories.

Airlines and rail operators also cancelled some services over the coming days as the typhoon, categorised as “very strong”, packed winds of 180kmh with gusts of up to 250kmh.

"Maximum caution is required, given that forecasts are for strong winds, high waves and high tides that have not been seen thus far,” the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned.

Typhoon Shanshan is expected to strike Japan's south-western Kyushu island over the next few days and approach the central and eastern regions, which include the capital Tokyo, around the weekend, JMA said.