Japan braces for powerful storm as Typhoon Krosa threatens to disrupt peak holiday period

Dozens of flights and train services have been cancelled – Cathay Pacific said ‘flight operations remain normal but the situation is subject to change’

At the other extreme, an estimated 12,751 people were rushed to hospitals due to heat-related conditions over the past week, including 23 who died

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Railway employees assist stranded passengers at the Hakata Shinkansen station in the city of Fukuoka. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:08pm, 14 Aug 2019Updated: 2:08pm, 14 Aug 2019

Japan was bracing on Wednesday for a severe tropical storm expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds during the peak holiday period, with dozens of flights and bullet train services cancelled.

The storm, named Krosa, is expected to churn slowly over western parts of the country, potentially affecting millions of people returning to major cities from their hometowns after the traditional “Obon” summer holidays.

Japan Airlines scrapped 62 domestic flights to and from airports in southern Japan for Wednesday.

“All the flights from and to Miyazaki and Tanegashima airports have been cancelled and partially for Amami airport,” a spokesman said.

High waves pound a beach in Miyazaki as Typhoon Krosa approaches. Photo: Reuters

Cathay Pacific alerted customers, saying: “We are closely monitoring the potential impact of Typhoon Krosa on our flight operations to/from Fukuoka, Osaka and Nagoya ... currently, flight operations remain normal but the situation is subject to change.”

All Nippon Airways meanwhile cancelled 34 flights for Miyazaki airport. Both airlines said they would decide later how many flights they will cancel for Thursday, when the storm is forecast to make landfall.