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Typhoon Wipha hits Japan killing 13 people

Typhoon Wipha caused landslides and flooding on Izu Oshima island, south of Tokyo, with several houses destroyed

Typhoon Wipha passed close to the Japanese capital killing at least 13 people, reports say.

Typhoon Wipha caused landslides and flooding on Izu Oshima island, south of Tokyo, with several houses destroyed.

Many people died when their homes collapsed or were buried in mudslides on the island. Two were found dead near a river.

In Tokyo, flights were cancelled, bullet train services suspended and schools closed.

Typhoon Wipha caused landslides and flooding on Izu Oshima island, south of Tokyo, with several houses destroyed

“It is the strongest typhoon in 10 years to pass the Kanto [Tokyo area] region,” Hiroyuki Uchida, the Japan Meteorological Agency’s chief forecaster, told journalists on Tuesday.

The storm brought strong winds and record rainfall – 4.8 inches in one hour on Wednesday morning – to Izu Oshima island, which lies some 75 miles south of Tokyo.

Officials on the island said that 13 bodies had found and more than 50 people were unaccounted for.

“We have no idea how bad the extent of damage could be,” town official Hinani Uematsu said.

Local media described mud and debris strewn around houses.

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Diane A. Wade

Diane is a perfectionist. She enjoys searching the internet for the hottest events from around the world and writing an article about it. The details matter to her, so she makes sure the information is easy to read and understand. She likes traveling and history, especially ancient history. Being a very sociable person she has a blast having barbeque with family and friends.