TOKYO, Japan – Typhoon Bavi brought powerful winds and heavy rain to Japan’s southern Sakishima Islands on Saturday as the storm moved toward Taiwan, prompting warnings of possible flooding and landslides. On Ishigaki Island, part of Okinawa Prefecture, small debris was scattered across empty streets as strong winds swept through the popular tourist destination. Only a small number of vehicles remained on the roads as residents faced worsening weather conditions. Boats at the island’s port were seen rocking in rough waters caused by the powerful storm, which had maximum winds of around 144 kilometres per hour near its centre. Japanese authorities warned that gusts could reach up to 198 kilometres per hour. Flights and ferry services around Ishigaki were suspended throughout Saturday, while airlines cancelled 345 flights. More than 24,000 households in Okinawa were also left without electricity as the storm passed through the region.
Taiwan prepared for Bavi’s arrival by ordering the evacuation of more than 14,000 people, mainly from mountainous areas, as authorities placed much of the island on emergency footing.
Although the typhoon weakened and was not expected to make direct landfall in Taiwan, officials warned of intense rainfall, with some areas forecast to receive nearly one metre of rain, raising concerns over flooding and landslides. Authorities cancelled 920 international flights and all 280 domestic flights as cities and counties across Taiwan announced closures of government offices and schools. Taiwan’s high-speed rail service continued operating between the north and south but reduced the number of trains. In central Taipei, strong winds and heavy rain affected the city, although some residents continued going outdoors.
In Beitou district, located near Taipei’s surrounding hills, winds of around 100 kilometres per hour reportedly knocked down trees and caused rivers to rise. Bavi is forecast to move toward eastern China, with the storm expected to approach the coastal city of Wenzhou, home to around 10 million people, on Sunday. Residents in Wenzhou were preparing for the storm, moving outdoor items indoors and securing homes ahead of the expected heavy rain and strong winds. While Bavi has weakened, authorities across Japan, Taiwan and China continue to warn residents to remain alert as the storm system moves through the region.
