Typhoon Bavi Puts Southern Japan on Alert
Japan’s southwestern islands were placed on high alert on Friday as powerful Typhoon Bavi approached the Sakishima chain in Okinawa Prefecture. Authorities warned of destructive winds, torrential rain, flooding, landslides and dangerous coastal waves.
Typhoon Bavi Approaches Sakishima Islands
Typhoon Bavi was moving towards the remote island chain near Taiwan with maximum sustained winds of around 162 kilometres per hour.
The storm was expected to pass close to the Sakishima Islands early on Saturday, bringing severe weather to Ishigaki, Miyakojima and surrounding areas.
Residents on Ishigaki Island reinforced windows, secured buildings and stocked up on essential supplies ahead of the typhoon’s arrival. Officials advised people to remain indoors and avoid coastal areas during the most dangerous period.
Okinawa Flights Cancelled as Storm Nears
Airlines cancelled hundreds of flights serving Okinawa and other affected areas, disrupting the travel plans of approximately 40,000 passengers.
Ferry services were also suspended, while schools, businesses and public facilities prepared to close as weather conditions deteriorated.
Nearly 900 buildings in Okinawa Prefecture had already lost electricity, with authorities warning that additional power outages could occur as the typhoon moved closer.
Japan Warns of Floods and Landslides
Japan’s weather authorities warned that intense rainfall could trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous and low-lying areas.
The storm’s large circulation remained a major concern despite some reduction in its intensity from its earlier peak. High waves and storm surges were also expected along exposed coastlines.
After passing near Japan’s southwestern islands and Taiwan, Bavi was forecast to continue towards eastern China, where authorities were preparing for a possible landfall over the weekend.
