Typhoon Saudel Injures Two, Cuts Power in Japan's Remote Islands, Moves West
Typhoon Saudel moved westward over the East China Sea on Wednesday after battering Japan's remote southwestern islands, leaving at least two people injured, causing power outages, and prompting landslide warnings. The storm, packing winds of up to 144 kilometres per hour, was located about 180 kilometres northwest of Okinoerabu Island late Wednesday morning, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
The typhoon made its presence felt across Okinawa and the Amami region, where fierce winds and heavy rain disrupted daily life. Two people sustained minor injuries in the storm, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency and prefectural officials confirmed on Wednesday. In the city of Uruma on Okinawa Island, a 78-year-old woman suffered a head injury when she was blown to the ground outside her home. In nearby Amamioshima, a woman in her 70s fell from a staircase during a typhoon-related blackout, as reported by NHK public television.
The storm has also severely affected travel and essential services. Around 150 flights to and from Okinawa's Naha airport were cancelled, leaving travellers stranded. Power outages affected more than 30,000 homes in Kagoshima prefecture, which includes the Amami area, according to Kyushu Electric Power Co. The utility company said crews were working to restore electricity, but the full extent of the damage was still being assessed.
Heavy rainfall has been a major concern. The JMA reported that over the past 24 hours, more than 9 inches of rain fell in the Amami region. Additional rainfall of up to 3.9 inches was expected in the area and up to 4.7 inches on Okinawa through midday Thursday. The agency issued a landslide warning for the Amami region, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation advisories if necessary.
Typhoon Saudel is now heading toward China's eastern coast, and Chinese meteorological authorities are monitoring its progress. While the storm may weaken as it approaches land, it is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of eastern China in the coming days. Local governments in the region have begun precautionary measures, including checking drainage systems and preparing emergency shelters.
The typhoon season in the western Pacific typically runs from May to November, with Japan's southwestern islands often on the front lines. These storms can cause significant damage despite advanced warning systems. In this case, the injuries were relatively minor, and no major structural damage has been reported so far. However, the disruption to power and transport highlights the vulnerability of remote island communities.
As the storm moves further away, cleanup and recovery efforts are underway in the affected areas. Residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates and heed any warnings issued by local authorities. The situation remains under observation, and further updates from the JMA and other agencies are expected.
