Safety
Typhoon Dolphin Strikes Okinawa; Regional Travel Disruptions Expected
Typhoon Dolphin has made landfall in Okinawa, Japan, causing widespread power outages, injuries, and significant flight cancellations, with further impacts expected in China and Taiwan.
On August 8, 2026, Typhoon Dolphin struck the Okinawa prefecture in southern Japan, bringing sustained winds of 162 km/h and gusts reaching 216 km/h. According to reports from Khaosod Online, local authorities ordered the evacuation of nearly 260,000 residents as the storm caused power outages for over 14,000 homes. At least five elderly individuals have sustained injuries, three of whom fell due to the intense winds.
Travelers in the region should anticipate significant disruptions. Over 500 flights have already been canceled, with All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) announcing further domestic cancellations for routes serving Okinawa. Additionally, Taiwan has canceled 63 international flights.
Looking ahead, the storm is projected to impact China by late Sunday, August 9. The National Meteorological Center of China expects the typhoon to hit areas including Zhoushan in Zhejiang province, Fuding in Fujian province, and parts of Shanghai. Authorities have already suspended 162 ferry routes and closed ports in anticipation of heavy rainfall, which could exceed 600 millimeters in eastern Zhejiang. Residents and travelers in these areas should monitor local weather updates closely, as the full extent of the storm's impact on infrastructure and transport schedules remains to be confirmed.