Typhoon Hagibis has brought deadly flooding and landslides to large parts of Japan.
Hagibis – meaning “speed” in the Philippine language Tagalog – is Japan’s biggest typhoon in six decades.
The storm made landfall just before 7 p.m. Saturday local time on the Izu Peninsula, southwest of Tokyo, bringing hurricane-force winds and heavy rains which led to widespread flooding. More than 230,000 people were evacuated ahead of the storm, with emergency orders issued for many cities around the greater Tokyo area.
Authorities have confirmed at least 10 deaths due to the storm so far. About 140 people were injured and nine remain missing.
By Sunday morning, the significantly weakened storm had moved back off the land, but serious flooding was reported in central Japan’s Nagano, where a burst levee sent water from the Chikuma river gushing into residential neighbourhoods, flooding homes up to the second floor.
Japan’s military deployed helicopters to rescue people seen standing on balconies waving towels to attract attention.
The storm has affected the Rugby World Cup games and the Formula One Grand Prix. Torrential rain caused water levels to rise in a number of rivers, including the Arakawa.
Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports were back in operation midday Sunday, but many flights remained cancelled. Flag carrier Japan Airlines said it had cancelled 278 domestic flights — affecting 48,340 people — and 66 international flights, affecting 11,790. ANA canceled 297 domestic flights — affecting 52,500 people — and 84 international flights, affecting 13,300.
High-speed and regular trains headed south of Tokyo were largely back in service Sunday, with trains to the north due to resume service in the early evening.
However, as many as 212,500 households in storm-affected areas remained without power on Sunday afternoon
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