Typhoon Dolphin Hits Japan, Injures Six; China and Taiwan Brace for Impact

 Typhoon Dolphin has struck Japan's southern Okinawa prefecture, bringing powerful winds and heavy rainfall and disrupting daily life, transportation and electricity supplies.

The typhoon produced sustained winds of around 162 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 216 kilometres per hour, according to the latest reports. Six people were injured in Japan, while power outages affected more than 50,000 buildings, mainly across Okinawa and Kagoshima.

The powerful storm also disrupted air and sea transportation. Major Japanese airlines, including ANA and Japan Airlines, cancelled flights as authorities warned of continuing strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous conditions across Okinawa and nearby islands.

The typhoon is subsequently moving towards the east coast of China, where authorities have stepped up preparations ahead of its expected landfall.

China has raised its emergency response and issued heightened warnings for affected regions. Authorities in Zhejiang suspended port operations and ferry services, while schools, tourist attractions and water-based activities were also restricted in areas facing the storm threat.

The storm is expected to bring very heavy rainfall to parts of eastern China. Some areas could receive rainfall totals of 200 to 400 millimetres, while isolated areas may receive substantially higher amounts, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.

In Taiwan, airlines cancelled international flights as authorities prepared for heavy rainfall and strong winds. The storm is expected to pass north of Taiwan before continuing towards China's eastern coastline.

The typhoon has therefore emerged as a regional weather threat affecting Japan, Taiwan and China, with authorities across the three areas taking preventive measures to reduce risks to residents, travellers and maritime traffic.