Typhoon Dolphin batters Japan's Okinawa before bearing down on China

Typhoon Dolphin struck Japan's Okinawa island on Saturday, causing power outages for at least 44,000 buildings and injuring five elderly individuals. The storm, categorized as "very strong" by the Japan Meteorological Agency, brought maximum wind speeds of 162 km/h, high waves, storm surges, and lightning. Naha International Airport closed and flights were cancelled. The typhoon is now bearing down on China's eastern coast, with landfall expected late Sunday or early Monday. Chinese authorities have responded by shutting ports and schools in anticipation of the storm.

Typhoon Dolphin has caused flight cancellations and travel disruptions. At least 12 flights connecting Hong Kong with mainland China, Taiwan, and Japan were cancelled as the typhoon moved away from Okinawa and approached eastern China. Hong Kong residents in Okinawa saw some disruption to their travel plans, though businesses like supermarkets and aquariums began to reopen. However, an accommodation and car rental operator reported significant financial losses due to the typhoon, estimated between 500,000 and 1 million yen. Specifically, Hong Kong International Airport reported eight outbound flights cancelled on Saturday, including those to Okinawa and Ishigaki in Japan, and three to Shanghai.

Typhoon Dolphin has made landfall in Japan's southern island of Okinawa, causing non-life-threatening injuries to five elderly individuals, three of whom fell due to strong winds. The typhoon has also resulted in power outages for 14,000 buildings and flight cancellations. Dolphin is now moving northwest towards eastern China, prompting authorities there to shut down ports, schools, and tourist sites and declare a level-three emergency response. The storm, which strengthened significantly over the Pacific, is occurring amidst a record heatwave in East Asia.

Typhoon Dolphin's approach to eastern China caused significant flight disruptions on Saturday. Airports in Ningbo, Wenzhou, Taizhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai reported cancellations and delays. Airlines offered flexible rebooking and refund options for affected passengers. Shanghai Pudong International Airport experienced numerous delays and cancellations for both departing and arriving flights. Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport also saw a substantial number of flight cancellations. Zhejiang province and Shanghai are expected to be in the typhoon's "dangerous semicircle," anticipating stronger winds and heavier rainfall.

Eastern China is preparing for Typhoon Dolphin, which is expected to make landfall late Sunday in Zhejiang province and northern Fujian province, with Shanghai also in its path. Authorities have shut down schools and tourist activities in anticipation of the storm, which has maximum sustained winds of approximately 162 kilometers per hour (101 mph). The typhoon is forecast to bring heavy rains, posing risks of severe flooding and landslides. In response, national authorities have declared a Level III emergency. Tourist destinations in Zhejiang will be closed Saturday and Sunday, along with all water-based activities. Schools and educational facilities in Ningbo have also been ordered to close this weekend.

China is preparing for the landfall of Typhoon Dolphin, the fourth typhoon this summer, expected between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning in Zhejiang and northern Fujian. Coastal provinces are taking precautions, including suspending ferry routes, halting construction, and evacuating fishermen. The National Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert for strong winds and rain in affected areas. Authorities are utilizing new technology, such as an AI forecasting system, to predict the typhoon's path and strength. The typhoon's large wind radius means inland residents should also be aware of potential heavy rain and flash floods across multiple provinces. Zhejiang has initiated a level 2 emergency response, with significant disruptions to maritime activities.

Typhoon Dolphin approached Japan's southern islands on Friday, leading to the closure of Naha Airport on Okinawa and the cancellation of all flights. Hundreds of people sought shelter in evacuation centers as the storm, with maximum winds of 144 kph, neared Okinawa. Three elderly men sustained minor injuries due to the wind. The typhoon is also expected to impact Kyushu, where residents are taking measures to protect earthquake-damaged homes. The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts strong winds, heavy rain, and high waves in Okinawa through Sunday, advising residents to stay indoors. The storm is predicted to weaken and make landfall on China's eastern coast on Monday morning.