'Once in a decade storm': Japan lashed by fatal 150mph wind 'super typhoon'

Japan is responding to a “super typhoon” which targeted the Okinawa island chain.

17:56 08 July 2014

At least one person has died and thousands more have fled as Typhoon Neoguri roared across Okinawa, Japan.

150mph winds and torrential rain was predicted and residents were warned by the government to stay indoors while fishermen were filmed winching boats out of the sea on Sunday.

Meteorologists say that the typhoon could get stronger and warned of high tides and lashing rain. However, it is not expected to be as strong as Typhoon Haiyan, which killed thousands in the Philippines last year.

The Japan Meteorological Agency called on people in Okinawa to evacuate early and take necessary precautions. 

“When the wind blows most strongly, it’s impossible to stand. You have to hold on to something,” said Kei Shima, a self-employed Okinawa resident in her thirties when quoted by the Globe and Mail. “The lights are fading in and out, like the house is haunted. The rain is getting stronger and falling sideways.”

Japan tends to see a few typhoons make landfall each year, but they are a relative rarity in July.