Alicia ChongTyphoon Hagibis, one of the most powerful typhoons in decades, hit Japan with wind speeds of 250km/h and gusts of nearly 305km/h, prompting authorities to issue a Category 5 warning which is the most dangerous category.
This brought 12 prefectures, including Saitama, Shizuoka and Tokyo city to a standstill, with businesses closing and supermarkets running out of stock due to emergency preparations.
Heaviest Impact on Cities like Nagano
Nagano City is one of the worst-hit cities as banks of Chikuma River burst. Over 140 rivers have overflowed due to heavy rain and 27 000 rescue workers are currently working to save those trapped in houses and landslides. Hakone was also hit with a record volume of 939.5 mm of rain over 24 hours.
So far, 35 people have been confirmed dead, 17 people are reported missing and over 140 have been injured, according to Kyodo News Agency.
According to CNA, electricity has been cut off to over 270, 000 homes. Tokyo Electric Power has also reported 11 alerts for Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant and are still investigating if any radioactive water has been leaked.
Tokyo Mostly Unaffected
Typhoon Hagibis has left for the sea at a much lower force, leaving Tokyo mostly unscathed. Major business operations and transportation have started to operate, although Haneda and Narita airports have temporarily suspended all flights and trains which added up to over a thousand in numbers.
However, one-third of bullet trains by East Japan Railway company has been damaged by flooding in Akanuma, Nagano. As such, there may be less trains operating on the Hokuriku line upon reopening.
Image Credits: Kyodo News
Effect on Rugby World Cup
Over the weekend, the Rugby World Cup match between Canada and Namibia was cancelled but the Japan-Scotland match continued. The home team emerged victors and will be joining the quarter finals for the first time.
Formula Grand Prix qualifications and practices were also cancelled for Saturday but have resumed as of Sunday.
Also read: 9 Useful Tips When a Natural Disaster Strikes While You’re Overseas
Watch this space for more updates on the Typhoon Hagibis.
