Typhoon Dolphin Hits Southern Japan Before Heading Toward China

Local officials reported that maximum sustained winds reached 162 kilometers per hour (101 mph) with gusts up to 216 kph (134 mph) during the storm’s passage through southern Japan.

In Okinawa, five elderly residents suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while one person was injured in Kagoshima prefecture, according to local officials. The storm caused significant utility failures, with nearly 39,000 buildings in Kagoshima and more than 12,000 in Okinawa losing electricity.

The impact on infrastructure extended to regional travel. Major Japanese airlines canceled flights to and from Okinawa as the storm moved through the area.

China raises emergency response to Level III

Chinese authorities have raised the typhoon emergency response to Level III and classified Dolphin as an orange-category typhoon as the system moves toward the mainland.

The storm is expected to weaken as it approaches China, though it continues to pose a significant flood risk. Forecasts indicate rainfall up to 400 mm in parts of eastern China, which authorities say increases the likelihood of landslides and flooding.

In preparation for the landfall, Chinese officials have implemented the following measures in affected coastal areas:

• Suspension of ferry services and port operations.
• Closure of selected tourist sites.
• Closure of some schools.