Typhoon Dolphin: Tropical cyclone ‘Typhoon Dolphin’ on Saturday hit Japan’s southern Okinawa prefecture, causing injuries, power cuts and flight cancellations. The storm is now moving towards China, where authorities have closed ports and ferry routes as they brace for its arrival.
Six People Injured In Japan
According to a Reuters report, six people were injured in Japan because of the strong winds. Five elderly people were hurt in Okinawa, including three who fell because of the powerful winds. Another person was injured in Kagoshima. Authorities stated that injuries were not life-threatening.
More Than 50,000 Buildings Lose Power
The storm also caused major power cuts across the country. Nearly 39,000 buildings in Kagoshima were without electricity, while more than 12,000 buildings in Okinawa were affected. Domestic airlines ANA and Japan Airlines cancelled flights to and from Okinawa due to dangerous weather. The typhoon had maximum sustained winds of 162 kph, with gusts reaching 216 kph. Videos that have emerged online showed heavy rain battering the cities as the cyclone approached.
China Prepares For Storm
Typhoon Dolphin is expected to reach the Chinese eastern coast between late Sunday and early Monday. Beijing has classified Dolphin as an orange-category typhoon, which is the second-highest warning level. The storm is likely to make landfall between Zhoushan city in Zhejiang province and Fuding city in Fujian province.
Ports And Ferries Shut Down
The China National Meteorological Center said winds near the centre of the typhoon may reach 38-45 metres per second (85-101 mph). As a precautionary measure, Zhejiang province raised its coastal typhoon warning to the highest level and stopped port operations. Authorities in eastern and southern China also suspended ferry services and stopped some construction work.
You May Also Like To Watch: