Typhoon Dolphin approached Japan’s southern islands on Friday, forcing the closure of Okinawa’s main airport, grounding all flights and sending hundreds of residents to evacuation centres.
The storm was near Yoron Island late on Friday morning and moving west towards Okinawa’s main island with maximum sustained winds of 144 kilometres per hour, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Naha Airport on Okinawa Island suspended operations, cancelling all domestic and international flights.
By midday, about 240 people had taken shelter at evacuation centres across Okinawa, local authorities said.
Three men in their 70s sustained minor injuries, including two who were caught by strong winds and another who fell from a stool while preparing for the storm, according to Okinawa prefecture.
