Premier, Sask. trade delegation stuck in Japan by powerful typhoon

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and part of a trade delegation to Asia are caught up in Typhoon Hagibis.

Japanese meteorologists expect the typhoon to be the worst to hit the country in six decades with maximum wind speeds of 144 kilometres an hour.

Along with powerful wind, the system is dumping torrential rains.

Moe was in Tokyo on Saturday as the storm hit.

“Members of the Government of Saskatchewan delegation in Tokyo are safely sheltering in place, and we are in consistent communication with the Canadian Embassy should Typhoon Hagibis increase in risk or severity,” he tweeted.

Members of the Government of Saskatchewan delegation in Tokyo are safely sheltering in place, and we are in consistent communication with the Canadian Embassy should #TyphoonHagibis increase in risk or severity. (4/4) https://t.co/bCMNAFBoHq

— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) October 12, 2019

In the series of Twitter updates, Moe explained that part of the delegation left Japan early for planned meetings in South Korea.

“This provides a contingency that will ensure our commitments in Seoul are upheld by members of our Saskatchewan delegation,” Moe said of the decision to split up.

While I am currently in Tokyo w/ part of the SK delegation to ensure scheduled commitments were maintained, part of the official delegation departed Japan early for South Korea in anticipation of the potential impacts of #TyphoonHagibis on the trade mission travel schedule. (2/4)

— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) October 12, 2019

As the typhoon closed in, special events were cancelled, flights were grounded and trains were halted.

“Our thoughts are with those impacted by Typhoon Hagibis here in Japan, a country that has been incredibly friendly and welcoming to myself and the Saskatchewan delegation during our time in Tokyo,” Moe said on Twitter while waiting out the storm.

— With files from The Canadian Press