Shanshan weakens to tropical storm, 9 dead in Japan

TOKYO, Sep 18 (Reuters) A powerful typhoon left nine people dead and hundreds hurt in southwestern Japan today as it weakened to a tropical storm and headed out to sea.

But gusts of wind caused by the storm continued to disrupt transport in the southwest and west of the country, forcing the cancellation of nearly 80 flights and delays in the high-speed bullet train service, NHK television said.

Typhoon Shanshan's torrential rain triggered flash floods and landslides on the main southwestern island of Kyushu over the weekend.

High winds overturned cars, derailed an express train, temporarily knocked out electricity in tens of thousands of homes and forced thousands of people to flee their homes for shelters.

NHK said nine people were killed, more than 280 were injured and one was missing.

Japan's Meteorological Agency said the storm was carrying winds of up to around 100 km per hour near its centre at 10:00 a.m. 0630 hrs today, and was headed northeast at a speed of 15 km per hour in the Sea of Japan.

The weather agency warned of high waves along the Sea of Japan coastline and heavy rains throughout central, eastern and northern Japan into tomorrow morning.

The agency also said the storm may make landfall on the northern main island of Hokkaido tomorrow, and warned residents there to brace for strong winds.

Reuters PB DB0928