At least 25 persons have been confirmed dead while 15 others have been reported missing in what has been described as one of the most powerful typhoons in decades in Japan’s main island.
The natural disaster occurred during the weekend and thousands of troops, emergency workers, and firefighters were dispatched in a rescue effort in the worst-hit regions where people were trapped in floodwater.
Typhoon Hagibis is the strongest storm to hit Japan in more than 60 years and has caused damage across the low lands and in central and eastern parts of the country. Rivers have also gone beyond their banks after hours of torrential rainfall and strong winds.
Hundreds of flights have been canceled and bullet train services have also been affected, with over a hundred people injured.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was in an emergency meeting with the victims of the disaster (the second devastating storm to hit Japan within a month).
I extend my condolences to all those who lost their lives and offer my sympathies to all those impacted. With respect to blackouts, water outage, and suspension of transportation services, we will do our utmost to bring about a swift recovery. We ask the public to stay vigilant in case of landslides and other hazards.Shinzo Abe – theguardian.com