Thousands ordered to evacuate in northern Japan as powerful typhoon looms

Thousands of residents in northern Japan have been ordered to evacuate as a powerful typhoon approaches from the Pacific Ocean , bringing the risk of severe flooding and mudslides.

Typhoon Ampil, currently packing sustained winds of 162kph (101mph) with even stronger gusts, is expected to reach waters near Tokyo on Friday evening before continuing northward.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for strong winds and heavy rainfall across the northern Kanto and Tohoku regions on Saturday.

The approaching storm has already caused significant disruption, with flights and trains in the Tokyo area cancelled.

More than 5,000 households, mainly in the coastal prefectures of Chiba and Ibaraki, are currently without power.

In Fukushima prefecture, over 320,000 residents of Iwaki city have received evacuation orders. Local authorities have opened more than 30 safe locations, including school gymnasiums and community centres, to shelter those displaced.

Shuichi Tachihara, chief forecaster at the meteorological agency, warned: "We foresee extremely fierce winds andextremely fierce seas."

The typhoon's approach has led to the early closure of Tokyo Disneyland and the suspension of bullet train services between Tokyo and Nagoya.

Dozens of flights at major airports, including Haneda and Narita in Tokyo, have been cancelled, affecting an estimated 90,000 travellers.

While Ampil is not expected to make landfall directly, officials have urged the public to stay away from rivers and beaches and to remain vigilant against powerful winds.

The storm is forecast to weaken to a tropical storm by Sunday, but not before bringing stormy conditions to much of northern Japan.

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