OKINAWA Typhoon Man-Yi caused devastation as it pounded the southern Japanese islands of Okinawa 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) southwest of Tokyo, forcing the evacuation of thousands and the cancellation of hundreds of flights as it headed north.

About 100,000 people were left without electricity and 23 people were hurt. Up to 500mm (20 inches) of rain were expected to fall on the southernmost main island of Kyushu by today, further battering areas hit earlier by heavy rains.

Man-Yi had winds at its centre of 160km/h (100mph) and gusts of up to 234km/h (145mph), according to Japan’s Meteorological Agency. An official said: “Rain is the biggest worry with this storm. Given the rain that has already fallen in Kyushu, the chance of damage is high.” The storm could brush Tokyo on Monday.

Twelve crew members of a Chinese ship were missing after their vessel sank 600 kilometres northwest of Guam in the strong winds and high seas. Two men were rescued. The Chinese-flagged bulk log carrier, owned by Fuzhou Haijing Shipping, was en route from Papua New Guinea to China when the cargo began shifting as the vessel encountered stormy seas. (Reuters)

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