Typhoon Dolphin Triggers Evacuations, Flight Cancellations in Japan

August 7, 2026 | 05:26 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Japan ordered the evacuation of nearly 260,000 residents in its southwestern regions on Friday as Typhoon Dolphin approached, bringing strong winds, torrential rain, and high waves. More than 500 flights were canceled as authorities warned of dangerous weather conditions across parts of Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures.

Citing CNA, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said the Category 1 typhoon was moving toward a chain of islands between Kyushu and Okinawa with maximum sustained winds of 144 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 198 kph. Forecasters warned that heavy rainfall could trigger flooding, landslides, and structural damage, while high waves posed risks to coastal communities.

Authorities issued evacuation orders for residents in vulnerable areas of Kagoshima and Okinawa as the storm advanced. Automaker Toyota temporarily suspended operations at nine factories as a precaution.

The typhoon is also expected to affect parts of Kyushu, including Kumamoto Prefecture, where thousands of people remain in evacuation centers following a deadly magnitude 7.1 earthquake in late July. Residents have been reinforcing damaged homes with tarps ahead of the storm.

As AP News reported, weather officials urged residents to remain indoors, avoid coastal areas, and follow evacuation instructions as Typhoon Dolphin moves slowly through southwestern Japan before weakening over the weekend.

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