13 Oct 2019 | 05:13 AM UTC
Japan: Death toll rises from Typhoon Hagibis October 13 /update 9
Officials confirm at least 18 fatalities from Typhoon Hagibis on October 13; ongoing power and transportation disruptions
Event
The death toll from Typhoon Hagibis has increased to at least 18 people, with over 150 people also injured, as of the afternoon (local time) of Sunday, October 13. Fatalities have been confirmed in Kanagawa, Tochigi, Gunma, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Chiba, and Saitama prefectures. At least 15 people remain missing and rescue operations are ongoing throughout central and northern Japan. The death toll may rise in the coming hours as more information is received.
Tokyo and the surrounding regions continue to experience transportation and power disruptions. Hundreds of thousands of residents in greater Tokyo are without power. Outages are also being reported in the prefectures of Chiba, Kanagawa, Ibaraki, Shizuka, Tochigi, Yamanashi, Gunma, and Saitama. Over 800 domestic flights have been canceled on Sunday at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT). Limited rail service has resumed but delays and cancelations are anticipated through Sunday. Landslides and flooding have also blocked roads and traffic in some regions, including Nagano prefecture. An overpass in Motounno district over the Chikuma river collapsed, but no injures were reported. Residual transportation disruptions are anticipated over the coming days.
As of 12:00 on Sunday, Hagibis has been downgraded to a low-pressure system and is located off of the northeast coast of Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has lifted all emergency heavy rainfall warnings but there is still a significant risk of flooding, landslides, and mudslides. Officials have also warned that further flooding may occur as dams release water throughout the day.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.
Travelers flying via HND or NRT are advised to confirm flight reservations and to contact their airline for additional information.
