Typhoon Shanshan: Japan prepares for ‘major disaster’ as storm makes landfall

Meteorological agency says over a metre of rain could fall in 48 hours as tens of thousands are advised to evacuate from storm's path in southern island of Kyushu

Japan's strongest typhoon of the year has made landfall in the country's south-west, bringing torrential rain and winds of up to 252 km/h (157 mph), strong enough to destroy homes.

The meteorological agency said Typhoon Shanshan, referred to in Japan as Typhoon No 10, made landfall on the island of Kyushu at around 8am. The power company said 254,610 houses were already without electricity.