Japan: Recovery efforts ongoing as Typhoon Hagibis death toll rises October 14 /update 10

Event

The Japanese government has said that more than 110,000 personnel are participating around the clock in search and rescue efforts following the passage of Typhoon Hagibis. Teams are already deployed to the Miyagi, Fukushima, Saitama, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Nagano prefectures. The death toll has reportedly reached at least 37, with over 189 also injured and a further 17 people missing. The death toll may rise in the coming hours as more information is received.

Flood warnings remain in place across central and northern Japan, and authorities have urged individuals to remain cautious near swollen rivers and to be alert for possible landslides. Levees along 21 waterways and several bridges collapsed during the storm, leaving numerous roads submerged under muddy water. Parts of the Chu-oh and Ken-oh expressways remain closed on Monday, October 14, due to mud flowing onto the road. Railway services, including the Shinkansen bullet train services, largely resumed on Monday. However, transport authorities are still reporting residual disruptions in isolated areas, including in the suburbs of Tokyo. Flight operations also resumed on Monday, however, Japan Airlines warned customers of potential delays. Further transport disruptions, including delays and cancelations, are anticipated over the coming days. 

Approximately 55,100 households in greater Tokyo are without power as of 12:00 (local time) on Monday. The Tokyo Electric Power Company has said that it expects at least 90 percent of the electricity supply to be restored by Wednesday, October 16. Several telecommunications companies reported connection problems for cellular phones and landline telephones as of Monday morning that were affecting parts of Shizuoka, Miyagi, Iwate, Kanagawa, Chiba, and some other prefectures. 

As of 12:00 on Sunday, October 13, 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 has said that more rain is expected to fall over the typhoon-affected areas on Monday. There is still a significant risk of flooding, landslides, and mudslides.

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, 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. 

Travelers flying via HND or NRT are advised to confirm flight reservations and to contact their airline for additional information.