Typhoon leaves 1 dead, thousands evacuated in Japan

TOKYO (AA) – A powerful typhoon has swept through northern Japan, leaving at least one person dead and thousands evacuated.

After pounding the capital Tokyo region, where a 58-year-old woman who was swept away by floodwaters in Kanagawa prefecture succumbed to her injuries in hospital, Typhoon Mindulle made landfall Tuesday on the northernmost main island of Hokkaido.

Local news agency Kyodo also reported that as of 11 a.m. (0200GMT), evacuation orders had been issued to more than 9,000 residents of six municipalities in Hokkaido, and advisories to around 30,000 others in 18 municipalities.

While the Japan Meteorological Agency warned of rivers overflowing and powerful winds, a river burst its banks in the city of Asahikawa, which along with the town of Shinhidaka has been experiencing flooding.

The typhoon -- which resulted in the cancelation of more than 400 train runs and 12 flights to and from New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido -- weakened around noon after moving out to sea.

While still in the Tokyo area, the storm had caused the cancelation of more than 500 flights and affected around 73,000 people.