Typhoon misses Tokyo, loses strength
Monday, 16 July 2007
TOKYO, July 15 (AFP): A typhoon expected to hit Tokyo missed the capital and moved toward northeastern Japan on Sunday after leaving five people dead and forcing tens of thousands to evacuateAuthorities said Typhoon Man-Yi was losing strength as it passed southwest of Tokyo, with sustained winds of 56 miles an hour.
As of midday Sunday, more than 40,000 people had been evacuated. Forecasters warned of continued heavy rains, high waves and strong winds, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
Earlier in the day, rescuers found the body of a 79-year-old farmer who was swept into a river after going to check on his rice field in Tokushima, on the western island of Shikoku, according to agency spokesman Yukihide Nakashima.
An 11-year-old boy and another 79-year-old man drowned in separate incidents on Kyushu island Saturday. Two other men were killed earlier last week after being swept away in southern Japan, it said.
At least 80 people were injured as the typhoon skirted its way up Honshu island's east coast, many from being knocked down by strong winds, Nakashima said.
As of midday Sunday, more than 40,000 people had been evacuated. Forecasters warned of continued heavy rains, high waves and strong winds, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
Earlier in the day, rescuers found the body of a 79-year-old farmer who was swept into a river after going to check on his rice field in Tokushima, on the western island of Shikoku, according to agency spokesman Yukihide Nakashima.
An 11-year-old boy and another 79-year-old man drowned in separate incidents on Kyushu island Saturday. Two other men were killed earlier last week after being swept away in southern Japan, it said.
At least 80 people were injured as the typhoon skirted its way up Honshu island's east coast, many from being knocked down by strong winds, Nakashima said.