12 Oct 2019 | 05:28 PM UTC
Japan: Two killed, 90 injured as Typhoon Hagibis makes landfall in central Japan October 12 /update 7
Two people killed and 90 more injured as Typhoon Hagibis makes landfall in central Japan on October 12; heavy rain emergency warnings and evacuation orders in effect
Event
At least two people were killed and 90 more were injured as Typhoon Hagibis made landfall in central Japan in the evening (local time) on Saturday, October 12. One man was killed in a landslide in Gunma prefecture, and another man was killed in Chiba prefecture when strong winds apparently overturned his car. Severe flooding has been reported in Nagano and Miyagi prefectures, with landslides also reported in Fukushima prefecture.
Level-5 heavy rain emergency warnings (highest on the scale) are in effect for Ibaraki, Tochigi, Nagano, Niigata, Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate prefectures as of 02:00 on Sunday, October 13. Level-4 evacuation orders have been issued for more than four million people across Japan. Media reports indicate that over 430,000 homes in at least nine prefectures are experiencing power outages as of 02:00 on Sunday.
Significant transportation disruptions are ongoing in the greater Tokyo area. Almost 2000 domestic and international flights scheduled for Saturday have been canceled at Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT). All train service was suspended on Saturday afternoon as a precaution. Authorities are urging people to stay indoors until the storm passes. Residual flight disruptions are expected through Sunday, October 13.
As of 01:45 on Sunday, Typhoon Hagibis is located at 37.3 °N and 140.9 °E (map here) and is tracking north-northeast at 55 kph (34 mph), with maximum wind gusts of 175 kph (108 mph). The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) has rated the typhoon as "very strong" intensity (the second highest level).
Hagibis is expected to bring torrential rain, damaging winds, and dangerous sea conditions to the region. Associated flooding, mudslides, and business disruptions are anticipated in the region.
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.
