Strong Typhoon Talas hit Japan
JAPAN: After the country’s western coast was hit by typhoon Talas on Sunday, at least 20 people have been killed and 50 others are missing in Japan.
The typhoon has caused record amount of rainfall in some areas, making it the worst storm to hit the country since 2004.
Due to unleashed heavy rains its triggering landslides, and is slowly moving north. The government has ordered evacuation of 460,000 people in western and central Japan. Hundreds of people are still stranded as the rescue efforts are being hampered by flooded rivers and collapsed bridges, local agencies report.
Talas has damaged Nijojo castle, designated as an important cultural treasure and a popular tourist attraction in the ancient city of Kyoto.
NHK public broadcaster showed a bridge swept away after torrential rain. People holding umbrellas waded through knee-deep water in city streets and residential areas. Many cars were washed away in the floods.
Meteorological agency of Japan warned of more heavy rains, strong winds, floods and landslides. It has issued landslide warnings in nearly all of the country’s prefectures.
