Tropical storm Fitow hits central Japan by Susan Powell
Commuters struggled to get to work on Friday morning as Tropical storm Fitow ploughed into central Japan producing torrential rain and strong winds across parts of Tokyo. At least 2 people have been killed with more than 40 injured. Tens of thousands of homes have been left without power.
Authorities issued evacuation orders and suspended train services in the area, warning of possible landslides and flooding. Two of the nation’s biggest airline carriers cancelled over 223 flights, stranding more than 36,000 people.
The Tropical storm, which was a typhoon before it weakened, made landfall in Kanagawa state southwest of Tokyo. The storm moved north and started loosing power with maximum wind speeds of 67mph (108km/h). Fitow is forecast to continue weakening as it moves further north and crosses the strait between Honshu and Hokkaido. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of further torrential rain and strong winds across many parts.
Japan is regularly hit by tropical storms during the northern hemisphere’s summer. Last month 3 people lost their lives when Typhoon Man-Yi swept across Kyushu and Okinawa.
