Typhoon Bavi is approaching Japan's Sakishima Islands, prompting authorities to warn of violent winds, torrential rain, and flooding. The storm has already disrupted flights and forced residents to brace for potential power outages and evacuations.

Key Takeaways

  • Typhoon Bavi will pass close to the Sakishima Islands with sustained winds up to 162 km/h.
  • Heavy rainfall and flood risk extend to Taiwan and eastern China’s coastal regions.
  • Air travel and maritime services have been severely disrupted, affecting roughly 20,000 passengers.

Typhoon Bavi, classified as a powerful Category‑4 system, has entered the western Pacific and is now on a trajectory that will bring it near Japan’s remote Sakishima archipelago—an integral part of Okinawa Prefecture and a frequent target of intense tropical cyclones. Meteorological authorities warn that the storm’s 162‑kilometre‑per‑hour winds, coupled with torrential rain, could trigger landslides and widespread flooding across the islands.

Immediate Response on the Islands

Residents of Ishigaki, a popular tourist hub, are securing windows and draping wind‑proof nets over homes and shops. Local supermarkets are witnessing a surge in demand for staples like instant noodles and bottled beverages, while several public beaches and ferry terminals remain closed. Japan Airlines has cancelled more than 100 flights for Friday and Saturday, and All Nippon Airways has suspended over 160 flights, leaving about 20,000 passengers stranded.

Regional Impact and Preparations

In neighboring Taiwan, the government has shut down financial markets and set up sandbag collection points. Though the typhoon is not expected to make a direct landfall, the island could receive up to one metre of rain, prompting the evacuation of over 2,000 residents and the deployment of nearly 29,000 military personnel for relief operations. Taiwanese President Lai Ching‑te highlighted that while the storm has weakened slightly, its large radius still poses a threat of strong winds and heavy rainfall.

China and Global Ramifications

Forecast models project Bavi’s landfall near Wenzhou, a city of 10 million people, where it could deliver up to one metre of rain. The event has already forced TSMC to postpone its June sales data release, underscoring the broader economic ripple effects that such storms can trigger.

Looking Ahead: Preparedness Measures

Officials urge residents to reinforce their homes, assemble emergency kits, and stay tuned to official advisories. Typhoon Bavi serves as a stark reminder of the escalating intensity of tropical cyclones amid a warming climate, and the imperative for resilient infrastructure and coordinated disaster response.