Deadly typhoon sweeps across Japan

Typhoon Phanfone lashed central Japan on Monday bringing high winds and heavy rain to the region.

In Shizuoka province, many roads were completely cut off by deep flooding. Others were passable, as drivers slowed right down to battled through several centimeters of floodwater.

Wind blew heavy rain into the streets of Tokyo, booming between buildings throughout the city.

Around 20,000 of the capital’s residents were urged to evacuate their homes as authorities feared landslides and rivers threatened to burst their banks.

Millions of commuters were affected as 19 international and 600 domestic flights were cancelled and many train services were halted.

The powerful storm left at least two people dead: one teenager fell into a river and a US airman was swept out to sea.