**WATCH as Powerful Typhoon Slams Japan**
A powerful typhoon, named Dolphin, made landfall on Japan's southern island of Okinawa on Saturday, causing significant disruption and damage. The storm knocked out power to over 50,000 buildings and resulted in injuries to six individuals, with five elderly residents in Okinawa suffering non-life-threatening injuries and one person injured in Kagoshima prefecture, according to local officials.
The typhoon brought maximum sustained winds of 162 kilometers per hour (101 mph), with gusts reaching up to 216 kilometers per hour (134 mph). In the wake of the storm, nearly 39,000 buildings in Kagoshima and more than 12,000 in Okinawa were left without electricity, prompting concerns about safety and recovery efforts.
As the typhoon approached, local authorities took precautionary measures by ordering nearly 260,000 residents in both Kagoshima and Okinawa to evacuate. Officials warned of violent winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerously high waves, urging residents to seek safety ahead of the storm's arrival.
In addition to the power outages and injuries, the typhoon also disrupted travel in the region. Major Japanese airlines canceled numerous flights to and from Okinawa, further complicating the situation for residents and travelers alike.
As Dolphin continued its path toward China, it was expected to weaken. Chinese authorities have raised the typhoon emergency response to Level III, indicating a heightened state of preparedness. The storm has been classified as an orange-category typhoon, prompting officials to take necessary precautions.
Landfall in China is forecast to occur between Zhoushan in Zhejiang province and Fuding in Fujian province, anticipated between late Sunday and early Monday. In preparation for the storm's arrival, Chinese authorities have suspended port operations and ferry services in affected coastal areas. Additionally, some schools and tourist sites have closed to ensure public safety.
Heavy rainfall, with forecasts predicting accumulations of up to 400 millimeters in parts of eastern China, raises concerns about potential flooding and landslides in the region. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as the storm approaches.
As the situation develops, both Japan and China are focusing on recovery efforts and safety measures to mitigate the impact of Typhoon Dolphin.