TOKYO, Jul 10 (Alliance News): Japan’s southwestern islands remained on high alert on Friday as powerful Typhoon Bavi approached, prompting flight cancellations, emergency preparations and warnings of strong winds, heavy rain, flooding and landslides.
According to Reuters, the typhoon was moving towards the Sakishima Islands near Taiwan with maximum sustained winds of 162 kilometres per hour (100 mph), raising concerns that it could become one of the region’s strongest storms in recent years.
Authorities warned residents to stay indoors as airlines cancelled dozens of flights across the affected region, including services scheduled for Saturday.
In Ishigaki, a popular tourist destination in the Sakishima island chain, residents stocked up on essential supplies while businesses secured buildings with protective coverings. Several beaches, coastal parks and the local ferry terminal were closed as a precaution.
In neighbouring Taiwan, financial markets were closed and government offices in many northern and eastern areas suspended operations ahead of the storm.
Although Typhoon Bavi is not expected to make landfall in Taiwan, forecasters warned that some areas could receive up to one metre of rainfall, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides.
Taiwanese authorities said more than 1,000 residents had been evacuated from vulnerable areas, while nearly 29,000 military personnel were placed on standby to assist with emergency and rescue operations.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te urged the public to remain cautious, saying the typhoon had weakened slightly but still posed a serious threat because of its large storm system.
Taiwan’s airlines also cancelled all Saturday departures from Taoyuan International Airport.
Meanwhile, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced it would postpone the release of its June sales data until Monday due to the approaching storm.
Weather officials forecast that Typhoon Bavi will make landfall near the eastern Chinese city of Wenzhou late on Saturday.
