Four killed as powerful storm hits Japan

A typhoon-strength storm in Japan has left at least four people dead and dozens injured.

Strong winds and rain hit the country on Tuesday in what was said to be the biggest storm in decades.

In the north, mobile phone networks were cut off and flights and trains disrupted.

Weather officials are warning those on the central Sea of Japan coast and in the north to remain alert for gusts and high waves.

The storm hit Japan's main island of Honshu and parts of Hokkaido in the north, with gales of 156 km/hour (97mph) recorded.

A powerful low-pressure system moved across the country from western to eastern Japan on Tuesday, officials said.

On Wednesday more than 200,000 homes in northern Japan were still without electricity, reports said.

The latest casualty was a a 28-year-old woman in Miyagi, who was found dead under an uprooted tree, Japanese broadcaster NHK said.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued advisories and warnings for most parts of the country today.