TOKYO, Sept 11, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Typhoon Muifa approached Japan's southern
islands on Sunday, prompting officials to issue a warning for locals to seek
shelter from the "violent waves and winds" before it made landfall.

According to Japan Meteorological Agency, Muifa is expected to maintain its
strength and hit Ishigaki island, near Taiwan, on Monday before heading north
toward Shanghai and its surrounding areas.

As of Sunday afternoon, the typhoon was located 180 kilometres (110 miles)
south of Ishigaki, packing gusts up to 216 kilometres per hour as it moves
northwest, the agency said.

"Very strong Typhoon Muifa is expected to draw very close to (to the region
surrounding Ishigaki) on Monday. Violent waves and wind are expected in the
region through Tuesday," the agency said.

While the speed of the typhoon could slow down, "the area may remain under
its effects for a long time", it added.

The government of Okinawa -- a prefecture comprising Japan's more than 150
southern islands -- requested for the elderly on Ishigaki and other area
islands to seek shelter before the typhoon reach the region.

"I would like to ask everyone to be vigilant against violent winds, heavy
rains... and take action to protect lives as a top priority," Okinawa
governor Denny Tamaki said Sunday.