Typhoon Dolphin made landfall over Japan's southern remote islands on Friday, leading to the closure of the main airport on Okinawa and the cancellation of all flights in and out of the island. Hundreds of residents sought shelter in evacuation centers as the storm intensified.
As of Friday afternoon, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported that Dolphin was positioned just north of Okinawa's main island, with maximum sustained winds reaching 144 kph (89 mph). The Okinawa prefecture confirmed that three men in their 70s sustained minor injuries. Two were caught in strong winds, while a third fell from a stool that was apparently blown over by the wind as he prepared for the storm.
Naha Airport on Okinawa Island ceased operations on Friday, with all domestic and international flight services suspended. By midday, approximately 240 individuals had taken refuge in designated evacuation centers across Okinawa.
The typhoon is forecast to impact parts of Kyushu, Japan's southern main island. Residents whose homes were damaged in a deadly earthquake last week were seen placing blue tarps on their roofs and walls in an effort to mitigate potential water damage from the storm.
The Japan Meteorological Agency anticipates continued strong winds, heavy rainfall, and high waves in the Okinawa region through Sunday, advising residents to remain indoors. The storm is expected to weaken over the weekend as it travels towards China's eastern coast, with landfall projected for Monday morning.