Typhoon Hagibis: Japan Hit by Worst Storm in 60 Years

Japan has been hit by Typhoon Hagibis, the worst storm for 60 years.

The eye of Typhoon Hagibis made landfall on the country’s main island shortly before 19:00 local time, in Izu Peninsula, south-west of Tokyo.

The typhoon is now moving up the eastern coast, with wind speeds of 140mph.

One man was killed in Chiba, east of Tokyo, when his car overturned, and at least 60 people have been injured.

More than seven million people have been urged to leave their homes amid severe flood and landslide warnings, as torrential rain and tornado-like winds are lashing large parts of the country.

 However, it’s thought only 50,000 are staying in shelters.

Train services have been halted, and more than a thousand flights grounded. Thousands of homes lost power in and around the capital earlier on Saturday, though some were swiftly reconnected.

Two Rugby World Cup games scheduled for October 12 have been canceled and declared as draws – England-France and New Zealand-Italy. Formula 1 has also canceled qualifying races for October 12 Japanese Grand Prix.

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Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned that half a metre of rain could fall on the Tokyo area between midday on October 12 and 13.

JMA forecaster Yasushi Kajiwara told a press briefing: “Unprecedented heavy rain has been seen in cities, towns and villages for which the emergency warning was issued.

“The possibility is extremely high that disasters such as landslides and floods have already occurred. It is important to take action that can help save your lives.”

Hagibis, which means “speed” in the Philippine language Tagalog, is forecast to hit the main Japanese island of Honshu.

Typhoon Hagibis could be the strongest storm Japan has faced since Typhoon Vera in 1959, which hit Japan with winds of 190mph and left more than 5,000 people dead or missing.

Locals stocked up on provisions before Hagibis’ arrival on the authorities’ advice, leaving supermarkets with empty shelves.