Japan was recently hit by Typhoon Talas. The Typhoon is the worst typhoon to hit Japan since 2004 and is responsible for some heavy damage and for at least 33 deaths in Japan. There are more missing, so the death toll may rise over the next few days. Typhoon Talas brought heavy rainfall and obstructed the roads; making travel very dangerous. The heavy rainfall also caused power outages in at least nine prefectures in Japan. Over 400 flights were cancelled and people were warned to stay inside until the Typhoon subsided.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAXEjOrVIYU

This recent typhoon is heartbreaking because it was only just five months prior that Japan suffered a devastating earthquake and tsunami. There are still areas of Japan that are still recovering from the earthquake and tsunami disasters, and some of those areas are reeling from the inundated flood waters that were caused by Typhoon Talas. Over 700 houses were completely flooded and around 3,200 people were evacuated to prevent further deaths.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o45Haq2wlLk

The rainfall caused by Typhoon Talas has exceeded the average yearly rainfall in Tokyo and has set a precedent by breaking Japan’s rainfall record. Typhoon Talas is the worst typhoon to directly impact Japan since 2004, and since not all the roads are accessible at this point, there are people stranded and trying to get back home. This year has been a terrible year for Japan in terms of natural disasters. All our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by Typhoon Talas.