TOKYO (AFP) – Typhoon Muifa approached Japan’s southern islands yesterday, prompting officials to issue a warning for locals to seek shelter from the “violent waves and winds” before it made landfall.
According to Japan Meteorological Agency, Muifa is expected to maintain its strength and hit Ishigaki island, near Taiwan, on Monday before heading north toward Shanghai and its surrounding areas.
As of yesterday afternoon, the typhoon was located 180 kilometres south of Ishigaki, packing gusts up to 216 kilometres per hour as it moves northwest, the agency said.
“Very strong Typhoon Muifa is expected to draw very close to (to the region surrounding Ishigaki) on Monday. Violent waves and wind are expected in the region through Tuesday,” the agency said.
While the speed of the typhoon could slow down, “the area may remain under its effects for a long time”, it added.
