Society

Talim ripping through Japan, 2 killed, 3 missing

Sep 18 (NHK) - Severe tropical storm Talim has made landfall on Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido, after passing by the western coast of the country. It is packing strong winds and torrential rains.

Police and fire officials told NHK that Talim left 2 person killed, 3 others missing and 35 injured across the country.

The Meteorological Agency downgraded Talim from typhoon categorization on Sunday. As of 10 AM on Monday, the storm's maximum wind speed was 108 kilometers an hour near its center.

Talim is bringing torrential rains to wide areas across Hokkaido.

Over the weekend, Talim ripped through western and eastern Japan.

In Kagawa Prefecture, an 86-year-old woman was killed when a landslide hit her house. In Kochi Prefecture, 60-year-old man was found dead inside a car in a river. Two other men, 84 and 66, left their house and were later reported missing.

In Oita Prefecture, a 71-year-old man has been reported missing. Police suspect he may have fallen into a swollen river, and are searching near his home.

35 others have been injured due to mudslides and strong winds.

Talim is also affecting transport systems. Airlines canceled more than 800 flights on Sunday, mainly to and from Kyushu and Shikoku.

And additional 272 flights scheduled for Monday, mostly to and from Hokkaido and Tohoku, have been suspended.

The shinkansen bullet train system in Hokkaido has halted operations due to strong winds.

The Meteorological Agency warns of heavy rain and strong winds, mainly in northern Japan on Monday. It says that in Hokkaido hourly rain of more than 80 millimeters is expected.

It also calls on people in the region to be vigilant against landslides and flooding, as well as storms and high waves.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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