More than 500 Flights Canceled by Typhoon Vongfong

More than 500 domestic flights were grounded on Monday as Typhoon Vongfong, a Category 5 hurricane, hammered southern Japan and disrupted travel.

Gale-force winds from the worst storm in the region’s history reached as high as 146 mph on Japan’s islands of Okinawa, Kyushu and Shikoku, according to Reuters, resulting in the cancellation of more than 500 domestic flights. Several international flights bound for Japan from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) were also cancelled on Monday.

Heavy rain fell in Tokyo as Typhoon Vongfong moved northeast toward the city. Meteorologists report that the storm is weakening, but 80 mph winds are expected on Tuesday. Japan Airlines is advising travelers to check its website for the latest flight information.

As of 8 p.m. local time on Monday, 83 people were injured by the storm and 11,881 households had power outages, reported state-run NHK. Many train routes in western cities have also been cancelled, and more than 820,000 people in the south and western parts of the country have been asked to leave their homes.

It was just a week ago when ANA and Japan Airlines — Japan’s two largest carriers — cancelled more than 80 domestic flights because of Typhoon Phanfone, according to Bloomberg News. It’s estimated that more than 174 domestic flights were disrupted nationwide by the storm.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the full brunt of Typhoon Vongfong will reach Tokyo on Tuesday before gradually losing strength and moving out to sea.

[Photo: Reuters]