Storm Shanshan moves across Japan as officials warn of torrential rains in Tokyo, Osaka

It has caused at least six storm-related deaths and dozens of injuries since it began dumping rain on Japan on Wednesday, according to public broadcaster NHK which compiles tallies from local governments. One person was swept by a river, another crushed by a fallen roof, a man was slammed onto the road by a blast of wind in southwestern Japan and three others were killed in a mudslide, it reported.

The public broadcaster also said a man who went out on a boat was missing and 127 people were injured.

Damage from the heavy rainfall hit a wide area, including more than 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) away from the centre of the storm. News footage showed flooded rivers and cars immersed in muddied waters in Kanagawa Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, even when the storm was technically still in southwestern Kyushu.

The meteorological agency issued heavy rainfall and mudslide warnings in Aomori, in northeastern Japan, for Saturday evening. The local government of Suginami ward in Tokyo warned residents in risk areas to be ready to evacuate in case of mudslides.

Dozens of flights were cancelled and airlines scheduled alternative flights for stranded passengers. In southwestern Japan, the storm left a broken bridge, as well as layers of mud and branches strewn on roads.

The Tokaido bullet train was halted between Nagoya and Mishima, the area projected to be most affected by the storm. Other local trains were running on delayed schedules.