South Korean President Moon Jae In on Monday sent a message of sympathy and support to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over the devastation caused by Typhoon Hagibis, the presidential office said.

In the message Moon expressed hope that people affected by the disaster will be able to return to their peaceful ordinary lives as soon as possible, according to a presidential office spokeswoman.

He offered "deep condolences and sympathy to the Japanese people" for the many lives lost in the typhoon, which lashed Tokyo and nearby prefectures on Saturday.

The death toll from Typhoon Hagibis rose to around 50 on Monday as search-and-rescue teams continued to operate in flood- and landslide-hit areas of central and eastern Japan.

Related coverage:

Typhoon Hagibis death toll rises to 44: Kyodo tally

2 more found dead after Panamanian ship sinks in Tokyo Bay