Typhoon Nabi hits southern Japan

Transport in the area has been severely affected

Southern Japan has been lashed by a powerful typhoon that triggered landslides and floods and killed at least four people.

More than 100,000 people were ordered to evacuate ahead of the storm, Typhoon Nabi, which brought winds of 126km/h (78mph), and up to 1.3m (51in) of rain.

The four dead were caught in two landslides in Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures on Kyushu island.

Local media said at least 16 other people were missing.

Japan's government sent 70 members of its Self-Defence Force to strengthen barriers and help evacuees.

Waves hit sea defences in Japan Enlarge Image

"There is expected to be further damage due to the typhoon so all agencies and ministries are joining together to respond," government spokesman Hiroyuki Hosoda said.

Power cuts

The eye of the typhoon made landfall on the island of Kyushu, where about 10% of Japan's population lives, at 1400 local time (0500GMT).

It then moved slowly north before heading towards the Sea of Japan. It was expected to continue north towards South Korea on Wednesday.

The storm brought severe disruption to some of Japan's transport systems.

Ferry services from Fukuoka to South Korea, and from elsewhere in Kyushu to western Japan, were cancelled.

About 20,000 air passengers had their flights cancelled.

Kyushu's electricity system was also affected, with 270,000 houses suffering power cuts.

The storm came in the wake of Typhoon Talim, which battered Taiwan and China last week.

The reported death toll in China rose to at least 84 on Monday.