Typhoon Delfin, a category 1 storm, is approaching the region of south-west Japan, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and high waves. According to data released by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the storm had maximum wind speeds of 144km/h at its peak, with individual gusts reaching as high as 198km/h.
Authorities have ordered the evacuation of nearly 260,000 people. Evacuation measures are being implemented in the prefectures of Kagoshima and Okinawa, which lie in the path of the storm. The JMA has warned that the typhoon is expected to maintain its strength as it approaches Okinawa, increasing the risk of significant damage.
The storm has already affected much of the island of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands. The conditions in the prefecture of Kumamoto have been particularly affected, where strong winds have hit an area still recovering from a magnitude 7.1 earthquake last week. There is a real danger that the winds could damage or even topple some buildings.
In addition to the wind, there are warnings of a developing rain band, defined as a narrow strip of intense rainfall and thunder. This phenomenon could cause flooding in the affected regions. The chain of islands between the Kyushu region and Okinawa prefecture is in the spotlight for meteorologists due to the expected intensification of the weather.
The impact of the typhoon is already being felt in the economic and transport sectors. On Friday, more than 500 flights were cancelled, significantly disrupting passenger travel. Toyota also suspended operations at nine factories on Friday, indicating the wider impact of the storm on industrial production in the region.
