Rural communities in northern Japan were cut off Thursday after a powerful typhoon triggered mudslides and flooding in the region, authorities said, according to dpa.

Approximately 1,600 residents were stranded in eight municipalities in Iwate prefecture and local officials were unable to reach the areas as the roads had been damaged by Typhoon Lionrock, which killed 11 people this week.

Many of those stranded were in Iwaizumi Town, where 10 people died. The town has lost contact with 17 residents, many of whom are elderly, the Kyodo news agency reported.

Source : QNA