Military crews are airlifting relief supplies to thousands of people in western Japan who have been cut off from the world since a powerful typhoon struck the region last week.

Rains accompanying Typhoon Talas caused rivers to swell and triggered floods and landslides. The storm swept away roads and downed telephone and power lines, leaving more than 4,000 people isolated.

The storm killed at least 37 people and left 54 others missing.