Japan braces itself for a third powerful storm, just a week after typhoons Mindulle and Kompasu ravaged parts of the island country. Typhoon Lionrock is approaching the eastern coast of Japan with a speed of 25 kilometres per hour and gusts as strong as 134 mph. The typhoon is expected to make a landfall in the next two days.
Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said that the typhoon is likely to hit the Kanto region first, which includes Tokyo, on Tuesday. It is expected to bring heavy rains, high waves and strong winds, added the agency.
Lionrock is the fourth typhoon to make landfall in Japan this season.
Both Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have warned passengers of possible flight disruptions on Tuesday.
According to Kyodo News, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had to cut short his Kenya trip and is returning to Tokyo before Monday midnight.
On August 21, JMA issued a high alert as Typhoon Mindulle and Kompasu approached landfall. At least 400 flights were cancelled affecting around 21,000 passengers. The local government said more than 2,700 people temporarily fled their homes to public shelter in Hokkaido, which was lashed by the typhoons.
Moreover,Japan's northeastern coast, which is expected to get hit by Lionrock first, is still recovering from the 2011 Tsunami after-effects. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear-power plant is also situated in the area and has suffered multiple meltdowns.
