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Typhoon Talas: Japan searches for missing dozens | Typhoon Talas: Japan searches for missing dozens |
(40 minutes later) | |
Japanese rescue teams have resumed the search for dozens of people missing after powerful Typhoon Talas ripped through the west of the country. | Japanese rescue teams have resumed the search for dozens of people missing after powerful Typhoon Talas ripped through the west of the country. |
At least 26 people have been killed by the storm, which made landfall on Shikoku island on Saturday, triggering floods and landslides. | |
More than 50 people are believed to be missing, according to local media. | More than 50 people are believed to be missing, according to local media. |
Japan is hit by several typhoons each year, but Talas is the most destructive since 2004. | Japan is hit by several typhoons each year, but Talas is the most destructive since 2004. |
'Saving lives' | 'Saving lives' |
Evacuation orders and advisories were issued to 460,000 people as the typhoon swept through the region, dumping heavy rain and bringing winds of up to 108km/h (68mph) on Sunday. | |
Entire villages have been flooded, with bridges and houses destroyed. | |
The BBC's Roland Buerk in Tokyo says some villages have been cut off and the bad weather in the mountains has made reaching them by helicopter impossible. | |
At least 17 people were reported killed in worst-hit Wakayama prefecture. One person was killed and seven others were missing after a landslide struck one area in the city. | |
In nearby Nara prefecture, seven people were reported missing after their homes were swept down a river, AP cited public broadcaster NHK as reporting. | |
Rescue workers said their efforts were being hampered by damaged roads and communications issues due to downed phone lines. | |
Talas has now moved over Japan and into the Sea of Japan (East Sea), Japan's Meteorological Agency said. | |
But it warned that heavy rains and strong winds would continue, raising the threat of floods and landslides. | |
Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who was sworn in on Friday, promised rescue efforts would continue. | Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who was sworn in on Friday, promised rescue efforts would continue. |
"We will do our best in saving lives and finding the missing," Mr Noda told reporters early on Monday. | "We will do our best in saving lives and finding the missing," Mr Noda told reporters early on Monday. |
The government has set up an emergency task force to co-ordinate the rescue effort. | The government has set up an emergency task force to co-ordinate the rescue effort. |
Mr Noda replaced Naoto Kan, who was heavily criticised for Japan's response in the aftermath of an earthquake and tsunami on 11 March which killed thousands. | Mr Noda replaced Naoto Kan, who was heavily criticised for Japan's response in the aftermath of an earthquake and tsunami on 11 March which killed thousands. |