A typhoon was approaching the Japanese islands of Okinawa Thursday, bringing torrential rains and strong winds to southern Japan. Weather authorities warned of mudslides, high waves and swollen rivers in the prefecture of Okinawa, the Amami region and the island of Kyushu. Typhoon Nakri was affecting transport in Okinawa. Some flights to and from the regional capital of Naha and ships linking the main island with others were cancelled, dpa reported. The season's 12th typhoon was expected to be near the main island of Okinawa after midnight, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. As of 9 pm (1200 GMT), Typhoon Nakri was about 70 kilometers west-south-west of Naha, travelling north at 15 kilometers per hour (kph), with maximum sustained winds of 72 kph and gusts of 108 kph, the agency said. Rainfall of up to 300 millimeters was forecast for Okinawa prefecture by Friday evening, up to 200 millimeters for southern Kyushu and up to 180 millimeters for northern Kyushu and the Amami region.
