Typhoon Dolphin: After Japan, Storm Barrels Towards China; Heavy Rain Alert Issued, Ports and Ferry Services Suspended

Typhoon Dolphin, having wreaked havoc in Japan, is now moving towards China. The storm brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to Okinawa, Japan, injuring five people. Around 14,000 buildings lost power due to the bad weather, forcing the cancellation of several flights in Japan. China has now also begun preparations to deal with the approaching typhoon.

According to Japan's Meteorological Agency, Dolphin was located roughly 160 kilometres north-west of Kume Island, Okinawa, on Saturday. The storm was moving north-west at a speed of around 15 kilometres per hour. Okinawa authorities said all five people injured by the storm are elderly, and their injuries are not serious.

Air services to Okinawa have also been affected by the typhoon, with ANA and Japan Airlines cancelling several flights. According to the weather department, Dolphin was accompanied by winds of around 162 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 216 kilometres per hour in some areas.

Besides Okinawa, the storm is expected to have a significant impact on the Amami Islands in Kagoshima. Authorities have urged people to stay updated on the latest weather information and exercise caution.

Concern Rises in China, Port Operations Halted

With the typhoon's likely path in view, China has also issued an alert. China's meteorological department estimates that Dolphin could reach the country's eastern and southern coast late on Sunday night or early Monday. It is likely to make landfall between Zhoushan in Zhejiang and Fuding in Fujian. Zhejiang province has issued its highest-level warning over the storm. Authorities have halted port operations and cancelled 162 passenger ferry services, while surveillance of sea routes has also been stepped up.

Ningbo Airport has been ordered shut from Saturday night, with all Sunday flights cancelled. Several ships have been moved to safe locations from Shanghai's Yangshan port. Some train services in the Yangtze River Delta region are also expected to be affected on Sunday.

Flights Hit in Taiwan Too

Dolphin's impact has extended to Taiwan, where 63 international flights have been cancelled. The weather department has forecast heavy rain in the northern regions, though people have not yet been directed to move to safer locations. Meanwhile, China has asked ships passing through the Taiwan Strait to follow its traffic-related directives. Taiwan has opposed this move, saying China has no authority to control the movement of ships in international waters.