Typhoon Bavi Nears Japan, Triggers Flight Cancellations and Flood Alerts

A powerful Typhoon Bavi is bearing down on Japan's southwestern islands, prompting authorities to issue warnings for destructive winds, torrential rainfall, flooding and landslides. The storm is expected to pass close to the Sakishima Islands in Okinawa Prefecture before moving towards Taiwan and eastern China over the weekend.

Emergency preparations are underway across the region, with airlines cancelling hundreds of flights, residents stocking up on supplies and authorities warning people to avoid unnecessary travel as the severe weather approaches.

Typhoon Bavi Approaches Japan

According to meteorological authorities, Typhoon Bavi is forecast to pass very close to Japan's Sakishima Islands early Saturday.

The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of around 162 km/h (100 mph), making it one of the strongest weather systems to threaten the region in recent years. Officials have warned that the combination of powerful winds and intense rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides and coastal damage.

Residents on Ishigaki Island have been securing homes, reinforcing windows and stocking emergency supplies in preparation for the storm.

Hundreds of Flights Cancelled

The approaching typhoon has caused major disruption to air travel across southern Japan.

• Japan Airlines (JAL) cancelled more than 100 flights, affecting nearly 20,000 passengers.
• All Nippon Airways (ANA) cancelled more than 160 flights through Sunday, impacting roughly 20,000 additional travellers.

Authorities have advised passengers to check directly with airlines before travelling, as further cancellations remain possible depending on the storm's path.

Power Outages and Emergency Preparations

As Typhoon Bavi neared Okinawa Prefecture, nearly 900 buildings were reported without electricity.

Local residents rushed to purchase food, drinking water and other essentials, with supermarkets seeing shelves emptied of instant meals and emergency supplies.

Public beaches, ferry services and several tourist facilities were also temporarily closed as a precaution.

Taiwan Braces for Torrential Rain

Although Typhoon Bavi is not expected to make landfall in Taiwan, forecasters warn that the island could receive up to one metre of rainfall in some mountainous regions.

Authorities have already:

• Evacuated more than 2,000 residents.
• Placed nearly 29,000 military personnel on standby.
• Suspended work and classes in several regions.
• Closed financial markets for the day.

Taiwan's government has urged residents to avoid mountainous areas vulnerable to landslides and flooding.

Airlines Suspend Regional Services

The severe weather has disrupted aviation across East Asia.

Taiwanese airlines cancelled flights from the country's main international airport, while Cathay Pacific also suspended several services connecting Hong Kong with Taiwan and parts of eastern China.

Technology giant TSMC also postponed the release of its monthly sales figures because of the approaching storm.

China Prepares for Landfall

After passing Japan and Taiwan, Typhoon Bavi is forecast to make landfall near Wenzhou in eastern China late Saturday or early Sunday.

Authorities have begun precautionary measures, including returning fishing vessels to harbour and preparing emergency response teams.

Residents in coastal communities have been advised to secure property and monitor official weather updates as conditions deteriorate.

Why Typhoon Bavi Is Raising Concern

Meteorologists say Bavi remains a very large storm despite weakening from its earlier peak intensity.

Its broad wind field and heavy rainfall pose risks across multiple countries, even in areas where the centre of the storm does not make direct landfall.

The typhoon follows several recent episodes of severe weather across East Asia, increasing concerns about flooding and landslides in already vulnerable regions.

Safety Advice for Residents and Travellers

Authorities across Japan, Taiwan and China have urged people to:

• Stay indoors during periods of severe weather.
• Avoid coastal areas and flooded roads.
• Monitor official weather advisories.
• Charge mobile devices and prepare emergency supplies.
• Confirm flight and ferry schedules before travelling.

Emergency services remain on standby as the storm progresses across the region.

Featured Snippet

Typhoon Bavi is approaching Japan's Sakishima Islands with winds of up to 162 km/h, prompting widespread flight cancellations, power outages and emergency preparations. Taiwan and eastern China are also bracing for torrential rain, flooding, evacuations and transport disruptions as the storm moves westward.

Key Highlights

• Typhoon Bavi is nearing Japan's Sakishima Islands.
• Winds are expected to reach around 162 km/h.
• More than 260 flights have been cancelled by JAL and ANA.
• Nearly 900 buildings in Okinawa lost power.
• Taiwan has evacuated over 2,000 people and mobilised military personnel.
• The storm is expected to move towards eastern China this weekend.
• Authorities are warning of flooding, landslides and dangerous coastal conditions.

Conclusion

Typhoon Bavi continues to pose a significant threat across East Asia as Japan, Taiwan and China intensify emergency preparations. With damaging winds, torrential rainfall and widespread transport disruption expected over the coming days, authorities are urging residents and travellers to remain vigilant and follow official safety advisories until the storm passes.

FAQs

1. Where is Typhoon Bavi heading?

The storm is expected to pass near Japan's Sakishima Islands before moving towards Taiwan and eastern China.

2. How strong is Typhoon Bavi?

It is carrying sustained winds of approximately 162 km/h (100 mph).

3. Which parts of Japan are most at risk?

The Sakishima Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, including Ishigaki, are expected to experience the strongest impacts.

4. Is Taiwan expected to be hit directly?

No. However, Taiwan is forecast to receive extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds despite the storm passing offshore.

5. How many flights have been cancelled?

Japan Airlines and ANA together have cancelled more than 260 flights, affecting around 40,000 passengers.

6. Where is the storm expected to make landfall?

Forecasts indicate landfall near Wenzhou in eastern China late Saturday or early Sunday.

7. Why is Typhoon Bavi considered dangerous?

Its combination of powerful winds, heavy rainfall and large storm size increases the risk of flooding, landslides and coastal damage across several countries.

8. What precautions should people take?

Authorities advise staying indoors, avoiding flooded areas, following official weather updates and checking transport schedules before travelling.