Japan flights grounded as country hit by worst storm in 25 years
Transport operations are at a virtual standstill across much of Japan as it faces the strongest storm for 25 years.
Typhoon Jebi has caused nearly 800 flight cancellations,including international services to Osaka and Nagoya, and about one million people have been urged to evacuate in western and central Japan, while ferries and train services are suspended.
Japan’s metrological agency said high waves, landslides and flooding are expected to continue.
Universal Studios in Osaka is closed and all flights out of the city’s Kansai Airport are cancelled today due to extensive flooding. A tanker crashed into a bridge linking the airport with the mainland.
Thousands of passengers who were stranded at the airport have since been evacuated by boat to neighbouring airports.
The Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Japan this morning saying: "Wide areas of Western Japan are experiencing transport disruption in the wake of Typhoon Jebi. Kansai International Airport (KIX) was closed and all flights cancelled on 4th September. As of 5th September, no plans to resume service have been announced.
"If you are planning to travel through the affected areas, or use the airport, you should follow the advice of local authorities, transportation services and check with your airlines. The Osaka Prefectural government is publishing up-to-date information and guidance on their website."
The storm has also crippled manufacturing with scores of factories closed and without power.
At least 10 people were reported to have died and more than 120 injured.
Wind gusts of up to 103 mph were recorded in parts of Shikoku, but they are forecast to reach as high as135 mph.
Jebi follows a particularly extreme summer in Japan which has seen widespread flooding and a record-breaking heat wave responsible for more than 200 deaths.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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