Typhoon Hagibis Kills 11 In Japan, Several Flights Diverted, Rescue Operations Underway

Typhoon Hagibis on Saturday smashed into Japan killing at least 11 people and causing "unprecedented" rain in Japan. Around 7.3 million people were given non-compulsory evacuation orders as floods and landslides hit several parts of the country. It led to transportation disruption resulting into the cancellation of several flights and suspension of several bullet train lines.

Hagibis barrelled through main Japanese island of Honshu at around 7 pm local time (1000 GMT) as one of the most violent typhoons in recent years, with a wind speed up to 216 kilometres per hour (134 miles per hour). Well before making landfall, the outer bands of the storm claimed its first victim, a driver whose van was flipped over in the strong gusts.

Amid Hagibis wreaking havoc, the Japanese Meteorological Agency issued the highest-level emergency warning and advised people to seek shelter to protect their lives.

"Unprecedented heavy rain has been seen in cities, towns and villages for which the emergency warning was issued," JMA forecaster Yasushi Kajiwara told reporters. "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." 

Moreover, around half a million households in the greater Tokyo area suffered power cut at some stage during the storm.