Recovery begins as Japan’s Typhoon Hagibis leaves trail of death and destruction

Typhoon Hagibis weakened to a tropical depression as it continued to move across central Japan on Sunday, leaving at least 31 people dead and 186 others injured in its wake, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported.

The storm made landfall just before 7 p.m. Saturday local time on the Izu Peninsula, southwest of Tokyo. According to the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s office, “record-setting heavy rains and windstorms have caused flooding and landslides.”

More than 230,000 people were evacuated ahead of the storm, with emergency orders issued for many cities around the greater Tokyo area. Around 27,000 Self-Defense Forces personnel are taking on rescue operations, the Prime Minister’s office said.

Along with the 31 deaths, NHK said at least 186 people had been injured and 14 people remain missing.

Toshio Yonezawa, 73, center, surveys his home with son, Yusuke, after Typhoon Hagibis passed through his neighborhood Tuesday, October 15, in Nagano, Japan.

Yoshiki Yoshimura, 17, sifts through the mud for anything salvageable at his home destroyed by Typhoon Hagibis Tuesday.

Two search and rescue team members walk along the mud-covered street Monday, October 14 in Hoyasu, Japan.

Police officers and fire fighters carry a dead body on a street after the flood in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture on Monday.

A volunteer helps clean up damage and debris following the typhoon on October 14.

A car passes overturned vehicles in an area affected by flooding on October 14 in Nagano, Japan.

Residential areas are submerged in muddy waters after an embankment of the Chikuma River broke in Nagano, Japan, on Sunday, October 13.

Fire department workers evacuate residents from a flooded area in Kawagoe, Japan, on October 13.

Students and residents scoop dirt and mud on October 13 as the town of Marumori, Japan, is flooded from the typhoon, which made landfall on Saturday.

An upturned car lies next to a partially destroyed house after being hit by a tornado shortly before the arrival of Typhoon Hagibis, on October 13 in Chiba, Japan.

A land ministry official explains effects of Typhoon Hagibis on rivers in Saitama Prefecture during a press conference in Saitama city, near Tokyo, on October 12.

People watch floodwater from the Isuzu river flow by in Ise, Japan, on Saturday, October 12, 2019.

Residents survey damage caused by a suspected tornado in Ichihara, Japan, on October 12.

Evacuees gather in a junior high school gymnasium in Shizuoka, Japan, on October 12.

A rescue worker wades in floodwater in a residential area of Tokyo on October 12.

Homes flattened by a suspected tornado brought by Typhoon Hagibis in Ichihara, Japan on October 12.

Train service is suspended at Shin-Yokohama station in Yokohama, Japan, on October 12.

A shopper looks at empty shelves at a convenience store in Tokyo on October 12.

A café is submerged in floodwater from the Tama River in Tokyo on October 12.

Damage from a suspected tornado is seen in Ichihara, Japan, on October 12.

Surging waves hit against the breakwater in Kiho, Japan, on October 12.

Residents collect sandbags as Typhoon Hagibis approaches Tokyo, Japan on October 12.

People look at the flooded Tama River in Tokyo on October 12.

People sleep at the Haneda Airport in Tokyo on October 12. Flights were canceled on Saturday as Typhoon Hagibis approached the coast of Japan.

In photos: Typhoon Hagibis hits Japan

Prev Next

Abe offered his “condolences for the people killed in the disaster and my sincere sympathy for the people affected by this disaster.”

Canada rugby players help typhoon clean-up after game canceled in Japan

“Now not only police, fire department and coast guard, but also 27,000 staff of the self-defense force are on rescue, search for missing and supporting evacuation,” Abe said Sunday. “We are to enhance the scale of operation depending on necessity.”

Typhoon Hagibis came as the country hosts the Rugby World Cup. Two matches – England-France and New Zealand-Italy – had to be preemptively canceled. Sunday’s Pool B match between Namibia and Canada in Kamaishi was also canceled hours before it was due to take place.

People look at the flooded Tama River during Typhoon Hagibis on October 12, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan.

A pivotal Pool A match between Japan and Scotland did go ahead with the host nation going on to secure a place in the quarterfinals. Formula One events scheduled for Sunday also went ahead as planned.

While authorities made it clear that the decision to cancel games was necessary to ensure the safety of players and fans, many were critical of the tournament’s inability to reschedule games and apparent unpreparedness for the extreme weather – despite the World Cup being held during typhoon season.

In canceled games, two points are awarded to each team in line with tournament rules. This impact who qualifies for the next round of the competition.

South Africa's Siya Kolisi celebrates with the Webb Ellis trophy after the Springboks' Rugby World Cup final victory over England.

Owen Farrell of England walks past the Web Ellis trophy. South Africa were deserved victors, winning 32-12.

South Africa's lock Eben Etzebeth (C) passes the ball to South Africa's centre Damian De Allende (L). The win over England gave the Springboks their third World Cup title.

Eben Etzebeth of South Africa looks on from the bottom of the scrum. The Springboks ran away with the game in the second half after scoring two tries.

Jonny May of England breaks past Frans Malherbe of South Africa. England won the World Cup in 2003, but have now lost two finals to South Africa -- in 2007 and 2019.

New Zealand's wing Ben Smith (L) celebrates with scrumhalf Aaron Smith after scoring a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup bronze final match against Wales. The All Blacks ran out comfortable 40-17 winners.

The All Blacks celebrate their bronze medal success.

Wales were never able to match the power and speed of the All Blacks.

Wales' flanker Justin Tipuric (L) fights for the ball with New Zealand's lock Brodie Retallick (C) and fullback Beauden Barrett.

Wales' Adam Beard catches the ball in the lineout.

Japan's former Emperor Akihito (centre L) and Empress Michiko wave during the bronze final match.

Kieran Read of New Zealand acknowledges the fans following his final appearance for the All Blacks.

Wales takes on South Africa in the second semifinal in Yokohama Sunday. Welshman Aaron Wainwright (right) tackles Springbok flanker Pieter-Steph Du Toit.

Wales' Dan Biggar passes the ball as he is tackled by Du Toit during the Rugby World Cup semifinal.

South Africa scrum-half Faf de Klerk on the prowl during the semifinal against Wales.

Wales' full back Leigh Halfpenny on the attack against South Africa.

South Africa's RG Snyman wins a high ball against Wales.

South Africa triumphs 19-16 thanks to a late penalty kick from Handre Pollard. Springbok hooker Bongi Mbonambi (center) gestures after booking a spot in the final against England.

England's Manu Tuilagi scores after a powerful start from his side in the semifinal against three-time champion New Zealand.

England teammates celebrate a try -- ultimately ruled out -- from Ben Youngs against the All Blacks.

New Zealand's TJ Perenara passes the ball before he hits the ground during the semifinal against England.

England wing Johnny May takes flight past the outstretched hand of New Zealand's Richie Mo'unga.