Japan: Recovery efforts ongoing as of October 18 /update 13

Event

Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing across central and northern Japan as of Friday, October 18, following the passage of Typhoon Hagibis. According to officials, at least 77 fatalities have been confirmed, with the worst hit prefectures including Fukushima, Miyagi, and Kanagawa. Over 42,000 homes were flooded by the storm and another 2400 were destroyed or partially damaged. According to the Cabinet Office, 4249 people across 13 prefectures are still in evacuation facilities. More than 100,000 homes remain without water supplies and it is unclear when utilities will be fully restored.

Rail service disruptions are also ongoing around Tokyo. Some sections of the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train route between Tokyo and Kanazawa, via Nagano, remains disrupted. According to East Japan Railways, it may take between one to two weeks for full operations to resume. Up-to-date information on rail service can be found on the operator's website here. 

Further flooding, landslides, and mudslides are possible over the coming days as further rain is forecast on Friday and Saturday, October 19. Hagibis collapsed levees at 125 locations on 68 rivers in seven prefectures, increasing the risk of additional 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.