4 Sep
Japan's land and infrastructure minister says officials have begun to discharge water from dams in southwestern Japan as Typhoon Haishen is approaching the region.
Akaba Kazuyoshi told reporters after a Cabinet meeting on Friday that the discharges began at nine dams including Meboro Dam in Nagasaki Prefecture. He added that officials are also preparing to release water at other dams.
He said the typhoon could develop enough to prompt emergency warnings and bring record rainfall and violent winds.
Akaba said the ministry will take all possible precautions such as setting up hotlines with local municipalities and preparing to send special anti-disaster units to affected areas.
nhk
