Typhoon Dolphin Strikes Okinawa, Injures 5; China Prepares for Landfall

Typhoon Dolphin has left at least 44,000 buildings without power and injured five people after it lashed Japan's Okinawa island on Saturday, authorities said.

The storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 162 km/h (101 mph), was categorised as a "very strong" typhoon by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The agency warned of high waves, storm surges and lightning strikes across the affected areas.

All flights to and from Naha International Airport, Okinawa's main airport, were cancelled on Friday as the storm closed the facility. The typhoon has primarily affected the islands of Okinawa and Amami in Japan's far south-west.

According to the Okinawan prefectural government, five elderly people sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Three of them fell due to the strong winds.

Japan's national broadcaster NHK reported numerous trees toppled by strong winds throughout Nago city in Okinawa. A car was found overturned and leaking oil in a parking lot.

The typhoon is expected to make landfall on China's eastern coast late on Sunday or early on Monday. In anticipation, Chinese authorities have shut ports and closed schools in likely affected areas.

Typhoons are common in the Western Pacific region from June to November, and both Japan and China have established disaster management protocols to mitigate the impact of such storms. Residents in coastal areas have been advised to stay indoors and avoid sea-facing zones until the typhoon passes.

Rescue and restoration teams are on standby in Okinawa to restore power and clear debris. The Japan Meteorological Agency continues to monitor the storm's trajectory and has advised caution for maritime activities. The agency also reminded the public about the dangers of storm surges and high waves, particularly in low-lying areas.

The storm's approach has prompted widespread precautions. In China, authorities have ordered fishing boats to return to port and are coordinating relief efforts. The exact path and intensity of the typhoon will be closely tracked as it moves westwards.

While the full extent of damage in Okinawa is still being assessed, early reports indicate that power outages could last for several days in some areas. Utility crews have been dispatched to restore electricity as quickly as possible.

This event highlights the recurring threat of typhoons to coastal communities in Asia. Adequate preparedness and timely warnings remain crucial in reducing the impact of such natural disasters.