Typhoon Dolphin Hits Japan’s Okinawa as China Shuts Ports Ahead of Landfall

Typhoon Dolphin battered Japan’s southern Okinawa region on Saturday, injuring several people, disrupting flights and leaving tens of thousands of buildings without electricity as the storm moved toward China’s eastern coast.

The typhoon brought powerful winds and heavy rain to Okinawa and nearby islands. Reuters reported sustained winds of around 162 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 216 km/h as the storm affected southern Japan.

More than 50,000 buildings across Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures experienced power outages, while major Japanese airlines cancelled flights as severe weather disrupted transport.

China Raises Emergency Response

As Dolphin moved across the East China Sea, Chinese authorities stepped up emergency measures in coastal areas expected to be affected by the storm.

China issued an orange-level typhoon alert and a red-level warning for waves in some coastal waters. Authorities halted ferry services, recalled fishing vessels, suspended construction activities and closed or restricted operations at ports and airports in vulnerable areas.

Operations were also disrupted at Ningbo Lishe International Airport and parts of Shanghai’s port, while some rail services in the Yangtze River Delta were affected.

Landfall Expected Along China’s East Coast

Forecasters expected the typhoon to make landfall along China’s eastern coastline between Zhoushan in Zhejiang province and Fuding in Fujian province between Sunday and Monday.

Authorities warned residents and businesses to prepare for destructive winds, heavy rainfall, rough seas and possible flooding as the system approached.

Flights Disrupted Across the Region

The storm’s impact extended beyond Japan and mainland China. Dozens of flights in Taiwan, many of them international services, were cancelled as authorities monitored heavy rain and strong winds associated with the typhoon.

Typhoon Dolphin’s path through a densely populated and economically important part of East Asia has also raised concerns about temporary disruptions to shipping, ports, aviation and other transport networks.

Authorities Urge Continued Caution

Emergency agencies across the affected region urged residents to follow official warnings, avoid exposed coastal areas and limit unnecessary travel while severe weather conditions continue.

The typhoon’s intensity and track remain subject to change, and authorities are continuing to monitor its movement as it approaches the Chinese coast.