Strong typhoon disrupts summer travel in Japan

By Serdar Dincel

ISTANBUL (AA) - A powerful typhoon struck Japan on Friday, severely disrupting summer travel as Typhoon Ampil battered the capital, Tokyo, with intense winds and rain.

The typhoon caused major disruptions to transportation systems, including railways, and left many tourist destinations deserted as the Obon summer holidays approached their end.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued warnings for violent winds, mudslides, high waves, and flooding, with heavy rain expected in the eastern region around Tokyo and the northeast, according to Kyodo News.

Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways canceled around 650 flights to and from Tokyo's Haneda and Narita airports, affecting approximately 120,000 passengers.

Typhoon Ampil is projected to move eastward toward the sea off northeastern Japan on Saturday.