The Japanese are no strangers to natural disasters, but the threat of ‘super’ Typhoon Nanmadol has prompted authorities to tell 4 million people to seek shelter as they issued a rare “special warning” about the powerful storm. Level 4 evacuation orders – the 2nd highest – ahead of the storm making landfall on the southern island of Kyushu overnight, bringing winds of 180km/hour and heavy rain. The storm is expected to track northeast, bringing sea surges, landslides and significant flooding, and has forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights, ferries and bullet train services. While it’s not uncommon for Japan to experience typhoons at this time of year, scientists say climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of the storms. And on the other side of the world, Hurricane Fiona has hit Puerto Rico, cutting power to the US territory. Officials and locals are bracing for a tough couple of days before Fiona moves on to Turks and Caicos.