Heavy rains disrupt rail service and traffic in central, eastern Japan

ISTANBUL

Heavy rains are expected to continue in central and eastern Japan, disrupting the rail service and traffic as downpours move east, after a typhoon made landfall twice in western part of the country on Friday.

The rains also heightened risks of floods and landslides across the country, according to the Kyodo news agency.

Heavy rain lashed parts of western and northeastern Japan on Friday, brought by moist air around Typhoon Peipah, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Bullet train services on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line were partly suspended after rainfall in central Japan surpassed safety levels.

The typhoon made landfall near Sukumo in Kochi province early Friday and then again in northern Wakayama Prefecture around 9 a.m. (0000GMT).