Typhoon Jebi Leaves Death and Destruction in Japan, Shuts Down Kansai Airport

A park in Kyoto, Japan

Typhoon Jebi hammered the Japanese west coast with winds of up to 135 mph (217 km/h) on Monday in what is being called the worst storm in 25 years.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued multiple warnings for potential landslides, flooding, high tides, tornadoes, and lightning.  Officials have issued evacuation orders for over 1.19 million people in western and central Japan as a precaution.

At least six people are dead and 160 were reported injured due to the storm, while thousands are without power.

Kansai International Airport, built on an artificial island in the middle of Osaka Bay, remains closed after both of its runways were flooded.  Access to the airport is limited after a tanker crashed into and damaged the bridge that connects the island with the mainland. No one was reported injured in the incident, according to the Japan Coast Guard.

The accident left over 5,000 people stranded at the airport, according to officials.  Train service across the bridge was also suspended.

“There are some aircraft delays or cancellations,” the airport said in a statement on its website. “Please contact your airline company in advance.”

The airport is the third busiest in Japan, servicing visitors to cities in the Kansai area including Kobe, Kyoto, and Osaka.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)