Deadly Typhoon Phanfone to hit Japan days after volcano eruption

Japan is facing the threat of Typhoon Phanfone, just a few days after a horrific volcano eruption struck Mount Ontake on Saturday, resulting in at least 47 deaths.

"Typhoon Phanfone, currently the equivalent of a strong category three hurricane, is on track to threaten landfall this weekend. Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Tokyo could all be affected by heavy rain and strong winds, should the storm stay on its current predicted course," RIA Novosti reports, citing Slate Magazine.

Eric Holthaus, an American meteorologist, points out that the typhoon, which previously had "a pinhole eye," is now intensifying. "That sort of storm structure is typical of an extremely intense cyclone. Phanfone is expected to continue strengthening for the next day or two before encountering cooler water as it nears Japan," he warns.