Hurricane Tropical Although there were no immediate reports of casualties, Maria made landfall on Monday in the northern region of Iwate in Japan, bringing with it torrential rain that disrupted rail and flight services and forced people in some areas to evacuate their homes.
With a top wind speed of 72 kph (45 mph), the storm is predicted to head towards the Sea of Japan.
Following record-breaking rainfall over the past two days in certain cities in the region, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a warning about the risk of mudslides and floods.
“Storm dumps copious amounts of rain on Japan, disrupting transportation”
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida assured reporters that the government would try its hardest to address the situation. He declared, “We’ll keep informing locals and helping those who are fleeing.”
While Japan is celebrating a holiday, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have cancelled flights to and from the affected regions, and some high-speed bullet trains and regular services have been suspended in Iwate and other northern areas.
Municipal authorities in Iwate have asked residents to seek shelter, according to public broadcaster NHK. But no casualties had been reported, according to the media.
Source: Reuters
