Typhoon Dolphin Forces Mass Evacuations in Japan, Grounds Over 500 Flights

Hundreds of thousands of people in southwestern Japan were ordered to evacuate on Friday and more than 500 flights were cancelled as Typhoon Dolphin approached the region, bringing violent winds, torrential rain and high waves.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the Category 1 typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 144 kmph, with gusts reaching 198 kmph, as it moved towards a chain of islands between the Kyushu region and Okinawa prefecture.

Evacuation Orders Issued, Toyota Halts Production

Authorities issued evacuation orders for nearly 260,000 residents in Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures as the storm neared land.

Toyota also suspended operations at nine factories on Friday as a precaution against the approaching typhoon.

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Looms

The JMA warned that Typhoon Dolphin was expected to maintain its strength as it approached Okinawa, increasing the risk of destructive winds capable of damaging buildings and other structures.

Forecasters also warned that a linear rain band could develop, bringing intense rainfall and thunderstorms that may trigger flooding in affected areas.

Storm Threatens Earthquake-Hit Kyushu

The storm has also brought strong winds across much of Kyushu, including Kumamoto prefecture, which is still recovering from last week's magnitude 7.1 earthquake.

Around 6,700 people remain in evacuation centres after the earthquake caused widespread damage and the collapse of numerous homes.

In addition to the storm, the weather agency warned of heatstroke risks, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 36 degrees Celsius in some parts of the region.