Evacuation ordered in northern Japan as typhoon approaches

A man holding an umbrella struggles with strong wind as Typhoon Ampil approaches the Tokyo area of Japan (Hiro Komae/AP)

Thousands of people in northern Japan have been ordered to evacuate because of the risk of flooding and mudslides from a powerful typhoon approaching in the Pacific Ocean.

Flights and trains in the Tokyo area were cancelled as warnings were issued for strong winds and heavy rainfall from Typhoon Ampil, expected to reach waters near Tokyo in the evening and then continue north, bringing stormy conditions to the northern Kanto and Tohoku regions on Saturday.