8 Jul 2014

Typhoon hits Japan's Okinawa

9:40 pm on 8 July 2014

Nearly 500,000 people have been urged to seek shelter as typhoon Neoguri lashed Japan's southern islands.

Heavy rains and winds gusting at speeds of more than 200km/h have been pounding the islands of Okinawa on Tuesday. Flights in the area have been cancelled and sea lanes closed.

Women caught in the typhoon's strong winds in Naha on the southern island of Okinawa on  Tuesday.

Women caught in the typhoon's strong winds in Naha on the southern island of Okinawa on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Typhoon Negouri seen from space.

Typhoon Negouri seen from space. Photo: AFP / NASA Goddard MODIS

Local authorities urged 480,000 residents to stay at home or move to community centres, the BBC reports.

Okinawa police said at least three people, including an 83-year-old woman, were injured. A 62-year-old fisherman was also reported missing, maritime officials said.

"There is a risk of unprecedentedly strong winds and torrential rains. Please refrain from non-essential outdoor activities,'' a spokesperson for the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

More than 50,000 households were reported to be without power, and one oil refinery has halted operations.

Okinawa is home to major US bases. About 26,000 US troops are stationed there under a long-standing security alliance. Officers have evacuated some aircraft from Kadena Air Base in preparation for Neoguri's arrival.

Authorities in China and Taiwan also warned ships to stay clear of the storm.

The storm has weakened from its original status as a super typhoon, but remains intense. However, it is not expected to be as strong as Haiyan, which killed thousands in the Philippines last year.