Filipinos in Japan cautioned to be careful as Typhoon Hagibis nears

MANILA, Philippines

— The Department of Foreign Affairs advised Filipinos in Japan to be cautious as Typhoon Hagibis (international name)

is expected to hit the country this weekend.

"Hagibis," which the Japan Meteorological Agency has labeled a "violent typhoon," 

is expected to bring heavy rains, strong winds, high waves and storm surges to the country.

The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo also cautioned Filipinos to avoid traveling to areas the typhoon

might potentially affect.

Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have canceled several domestic flights starting Friday while train operations in the greater Tokyo area might also

be suspended if the forecast path of the typhoon will not change.

"

Travellers

 are urged to always check the latest information from airlines, train companies and other public transportation companies," the DFA said.

The DFA added that Filipinos who might need

assistance could contact the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo at +81 80 4928 7979 or +81 80 7000 7979.

Earlier this week, "Hagibis" passed over an uninhabited island in the

Marianas Islands before moving northwest, sparing the Philippines on its way to Japan.

According to the JMA, "Hagibis" packs maximum sustained winds of 174 kph and gusts of up to 250 kph as of 1 a.m. (Manila time). It is moving north northwest at 25 kph. — Patricia Lourdes Viray