Tokyo, 07 August, 2026 (Nosheen): Japanese authorities have ordered the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents in the country’s southwestern region as Typhoon Dolphin approaches, bringing the threat of destructive winds, torrential rainfall, and high waves. More than 500 domestic and international flights have also been cancelled due to the severe weather conditions. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Typhoon Dolphin, a Category 1 storm, is packing maximum sustained winds of 144 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching up to 198 kilometres per hour. The storm is moving slowly toward the chain of islands located between the Kyushu region and Okinawa Prefecture.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for nearly 260,000 residents in Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures as a precaution against the approaching storm. Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Corporation has suspended operations at nine factories on Friday to ensure the safety of its employees. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that Typhoon Dolphin is expected to maintain its intensity as it nears Okinawa, increasing the risk of structural damage caused by powerful winds. Meteorologists also cautioned that a linear rain band could develop, bringing intense rainfall and thunderstorms capable of triggering flash floods and landslides.

The storm is also affecting large parts of Kyushu, including Kumamoto Prefecture, which is still recovering from last week’s 7.1-magnitude earthquake. Around 6,700 residents remain in evacuation centres after numerous homes were damaged or destroyed by the earthquake. In addition to storm-related threats, the weather agency has warned of a heightened risk of heatstroke, with temperatures expected to rise to 36 degrees Celsius in some areas. Japanese authorities have urged residents in vulnerable regions to follow evacuation instructions, remain alert to official weather updates, and take all necessary precautions as Typhoon Dolphin continues its approach.