DFA cautions Pinoys in Japan as Super Typhoon Hagibis expected to make landfall

A worker removes a netting in preparation for Typhoon Hagibis on Enoshima Island, Kamakura, west of Tokyo, Friday, Oct. 11, 2019. A typhoon was forecast to bring 2 feet of rain and damaging winds to the Tokyo area and central Japan’s Pacific coast this weekend, and the government warned people Friday to stockpile and leave high-risk places before it’s too dangerous. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday urged Filipinos in Japan to exercise caution as Super Typhoon Hagibis is expected to make landfall there this weekend.

The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo advised Filipinos to avoid traveling to Japan until the weather disturbance has dissipated.

“The Embassy has asked Filipinos in Japan to be careful as heavy rains, strong winds, high waves, and storm surges are likely to occur, and to avoid travelling to potentially affected areas until the typhoon has dissipated,” read the statement.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Hagibis is considered as a “violent typhoon” which is the “highest category on Japan’s typhoon scale.”

DFA noted that Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways announced the suspension of domestic flights starting on Friday.

Train operations in Greater Tokyo Area may also be canceled if the forecast of typhoon will not change, the department added.

The DFA, likewise, asked Filipinos to monitor news and updates on the typhoon via Japanese government and the JMA.

Filipinos in Japan who may need assistance may contact the Embassy hotline at +81 80 4928 7979/ +81 80 7000 7979.  /muf