Typhoon Halong heads for Japan

This August 6, 2014 NASA satellite photo shows Typhoon Halong in the Western Pacific Ocean. Typhoon Halong caused widespread floods in Bataan, Zambales and Pangasinan provinces leaving roads impassible, a National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) official said. The typhoon is said to be moving toward the direction of southern Japan and is expected to hit August 7. AFP PHOTO/Handout/NASA

August 7, 2014
TOKYO (AFP) - Typhoon Halong advanced toward southern Japan on Thursday, packing heavy rains as officials warned the storm would bring strong winds and high waves to the region.

The storm was moving toward the Okinawa island chain with gusts of to 198 kilometres (123 miles) per hour, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Television footage showed residents boarding up windows on the remote subtropical island of Minami-Daitojima near the main Okinawa island chain as strong gusts hit the area.

Officials urged local people to guard against the wind and possible landslides

Halong was expected to reach Japan's mainland by the weekend, about a month after Typhoon Neoguri killed several people and left a trail of destruction in the country's south.

Last weekend, a man drowned in a raging river while more than half a million people were advised to evacuate as heavy rain from Typhoon Nakri lashed Japan.