Japanese authorities have cancelled more than 500 flights and ordered evacuations as powerful Typhoon Dolphin moves towards the country’s southwestern region, bringing the threat of intense rainfall, strong winds and possible flooding.
Japan Airlines (JAL) announced that several flights to and from affected airports had been disrupted, warning that more cancellations and delays could occur depending on the storm’s direction.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said the Category 1 typhoon was packing sustained winds of about 144 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 198 kilometres per hour, as it approached islands located between Kyushu and Okinawa Prefecture.
Approximately 260,000 people in Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures have been advised to evacuate as authorities prepare for the impact of the storm.
Meanwhile, automobile manufacturer Toyota has halted operations at nine of its plants in response to the approaching typhoon. Schools and businesses in affected areas are also expected to face disruptions as officials warn of possible landslides, flooding and widespread damage caused by heavy rains and violent winds.