Japan is bracing itself for what could be its most powerful storm for more than ten years.

Meteorologists say Typhoon Melor could bring with it gusts of wind in excess of 200 kilometers per hour, as well as rain of up to 50 centimeters in the next 24 hours. Melor is not expected to reach Japan’s main island, Honshu, until Thursday but the country’s smaller islands to the south are already being hit. Hundreds of domestic flights have been cancelled, electricity has been cut to some communities and roofs have been ripped off by the strong winds. Many residents fear a repeat of a typhoon five years ago that struck at the same time of year and claimed the lives of 95 people.More about: Japan, Weather

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