Powerful Typhoon Expected To Land In West Japan, Disrupting Bullet Trains

TOKYO, Aug 27 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- A powerful typhoon that hit the southwest Japan island region of Amami on Tuesday is expected to head toward the country's west in the coming days and could make landfall, the weather agency said. This has led to bullet train suspensions and the possibility of further cancellations.

Kyodo News Agency reported that Typhoon Shanshan's sluggish pace could cause extended disruptions, with the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasting heavy rain across a wide area, including Amami and the Pacific coasts of western and eastern Japan.

The agency urged residents to be on alert for landslides, flooding in low-lying areas and overflowing of swollen rivers. Amami and parts of western Japan are also expected to see strong winds, the agency said.

Heavy rains on Tuesday had already caused suspensions in the morning of some Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train services between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka stations.

Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen services that span the Pacific coast from Tokyo to the southwestern city of Fukuoka could also face suspensions on part or all of their routes from Thursday through Saturday.

Kyushu Shinkansen trains in southwestern Japan may implement similar measures starting Wednesday, their operators said.

-- BERNAMA-KYODO