Landslide on Izu Oshima Island, Japan

Typhoon Wipha has passed over the island of Izu Oshima, south of Tokyo, bringing strong winds and 80cm of rain in 24 hours. 14 people have been reported killed in the resulting landslides, so far, as houses were buried or destroyed and many more are currently unaccounted for.

The Japan Meteorological Agency have reported the storm as the most powerful in ten years to pass through the area and the amount of rain has surpassed their records, which dates back to 1991. 122mm of rain fell in just one hour on Wednesday morning.

20,000 people were ordered to evacuate as the typhoon approached Japan and the storm moved northwards over the mainland of Japan after passing Izu Oshima.

Due to the landslides, rescue efforts are being hampered on Izu Oshima; as affected areas are proving difficult to reach and search. Almost 300 homes have been destroyed on the island and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.