16 Oct 2019 | 05:55 AM UTC
Japan: Rescue and recovery efforts continue October 16 /update 12
Widespread rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing in central and northern Japan as of October 16, following the passage of Typhoon Hagibis; death toll rises to 74
Event
Thousands of rescue and emergency personnel have been deployed throughout central and northern Japan to assist residents impacted by Typhoon Hagibis as of Wednesday, October 16. Officials have confirmed at least 74 people have been killed by the storm and several people remain missing. According to media reports, over 13,000 homes were flooded and another 1100 partly destroyed in the storm. As of Wednesday afternoon (local time), around 12,000 homes are still without power and more than 110,000 are without water. It is unclear how long it will take to fully restore utilities to the affected areas.
Transportation disruptions continue in Tokyo and the surrounding area. Bullet train service on the Hokuriku Line remains partially disrupted. According to the West Japan Railway Company, it may take between one to two weeks for service to fully resume. Media sources also reported that some domestic airlines are increasing flights or using large airplanes to accommodate a higher demand after over 1000 flights were canceled due to the typhoon. Residual flight and rail disruptions are expected over the coming days.
There is still a risk of further flooding and landslides in the coming days. The heavy rain and strong winds from Hagibis caused 79 levees to break across the region. Further rain is forecast to hit northern and eastern Japan on Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19, prompting fears of more landslides or flooding. Residual transportation, power, and commercial disruptions are anticipated over the coming days.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, avoid contact with downed power lines, 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.
