ISHIGAKI, Japan – A powerful typhoon moved closer to Japan’s remote southern and southwestern islands on Friday, triggering warnings for violent winds, torrential rain, landslides and flooding in what could become one of the region’s most damaging storms in years. Typhoon Bavi approached Japan’s Sakishima Islands, located near Taiwan, with maximum sustained winds near its centre reaching 162 kilometres per hour. Residents rushed to prepare their homes and businesses by reinforcing windows with tape and installing protective barriers against strong winds.
Several airlines cancelled dozens of flights in the region, including services scheduled for Saturday, as authorities warned of dangerous weather conditions. On Ishigaki Island, one of the Sakishima Islands and a popular tourist destination, residents stocked up on essential supplies, leaving supermarket shelves empty of instant noodles. Public beaches, coastal parks and ferry terminals were also closed as the storm approached.
Neighboring Taiwan also prepared for the impact of Typhoon Bavi. Financial markets were closed on Friday, while government offices and businesses in many northern and eastern areas suspended operations. Taipei authorities prepared sandbag distribution points for residents. Although the typhoon is not expected to make direct landfall in Taiwan, officials warned it could bring widespread heavy rainfall across the island, with some areas forecast to receive up to one metre of accumulated rain beginning Friday evening. Taiwan’s government said more than 1,000 people had been evacuated, mainly from mountainous areas along the eastern coast. Nearly 29,000 military personnel were placed on standby to assist with disaster relief operations. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said the storm had weakened slightly and was downgraded to a moderate typhoon, but warned that its large size could still bring powerful winds and heavy rainfall to many areas.
Airlines in Taiwan cancelled all flights departing from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on Saturday, while major chip manufacturer TSMC announced it would delay its June sales report from Friday to Monday due to the weather situation. Typhoon Bavi is forecast to move toward eastern China, potentially making landfall near Wenzhou on Saturday evening. The city has a population of around 10 million people and authorities are preparing for possible severe weather impacts.
Thailand is not expected to be directly affected by Typhoon Bavi, but weather officials continue monitoring regional storm activity as tropical systems in the western Pacific can influence rainfall patterns across Southeast Asia. For Pattaya and Chonburi, residents and visitors should continue to monitor weather updates, especially during the rainy season, as stronger winds, rough seas and periods of heavy rain can affect coastal areas, ferry services and marine activities. Authorities are advising boat operators and tourists to exercise caution when travelling near the sea during periods of unstable weather.
