Chaos in the skies: Typhoon Shanshan cancels hundreds of flights across Japan

Japan has issued its highest-level alert for over five million people following one of the most powerful typhoons to strike the country in decades.

Typhoon Shanshan, which made landfall in the southwestern region, has resulted in at least four fatalities and more than 90 injuries. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of residents are currently without power.

Over 630 flights have been cancelled in Japan as typhoon continues to impact the region. 

The typhoon is currently located over the northern part of Kyushu, a southwestern island in Japan, and is moving slowly in a northeastern direction, Caliber.Az reports via sources in Japanese media.

The airline most affected by these cancellations is All Nippon Airways, with 346 flights grounded. Japan Airlines follows with 287 cancellations, and other low-cost carriers have also experienced disruptions.

Over 80 people have been affected by the typhoon, with three confirmed fatalities. Additionally, more than 130,000 homes in Kyushu remain without electricity due to the storm's impact.

The typhoon has also led to the suspension of high-speed Shinkansen train services on several routes, including the heavily trafficked line between Tokyo and Osaka.

Typhoon Shanshan is currently in the Oita Prefecture area, where wind gusts are reaching speeds of 23 to 35 meters per second as it continues its path northeast.