Hurricane Maria Hits Japan's Iwate, Interrupted Train Flights And Services

UNSPLASH/Seiya Maeda ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - Tropical Storm Maria hit the Iwate area, northern Japan carrying heavy rains that disrupted rail flights and services. Residents fled their homes in a number of areas.

A storm with a maximum wind speed of 72 kilometers per hour (45 mph) is expected to move towards the Japanese Sea.

Japan's Meteorological Agency warned of the risk of landslides and floods following the record-breaking rainfall over the past two days in several cities in the region.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stressed that the government will do its best to overcome this situation.

"We will continue to provide information to residents and support those displaced," he said.

Although Japan is celebrating holidays, some high-speed trains and regular services are suspended in Iwate and other northern regions.

Meanwhile, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways also canceled flights with affected areas.

The NHK public broadcaster said the city government urged residents in Iwate to take cover. However, there were reported no casualties.