A FORMER Huddersfield University student today told of her terror as the city where she lives prepared for a fierce typhoon.

Debbie Leach, 25, who grew up in Norristhorpe near Mirfield, was holed up in her apartment in the southern Japanese city of Takamatsu on the island of Shikoku as the Examiner went to press.

Typhoon Nabi has already caused massive destruction on the island of Kyushu, where at least one person has died.

Winds have been reaching 89mph and some areas have seen 32 inches of rain in just 24 hours.

As Nabi approached, Debbie, who is teaching English in Japan, said: "The wind and rain are getting heavier.

"The last I heard the eye of the typhoon covered Hiroshima and most of Shikoku.

"People have put sandbags outside their homes and near rivers.

"Boats have stopped as have trains. The highways and bridges have been closed.

"We have not been told much by the Government, but the pictures from Kyushu are frightening.

"We are just waiting and hoping for the best."