TOKYO/BEIJING, Japan/China — Typhoon Dolphin battered Japan’s southern Okinawa prefecture on Saturday, August 8, 2026, injuring six people and disrupting power supplies to more than 50,000 buildings, while authorities in eastern China closed ports, suspended ferry services and prepared for the storm’s expected landfall.
- Six people were injured in Japan, with authorities saying the injuries were not life-threatening.
- More than 50,000 buildings lost power across Kagoshima and Okinawa.
- China halted port operations and suspended passenger ferry services in Zhejiang as Dolphin approached.
- 78 international flights were cancelled in Taiwan because of the typhoon.
Typhoon Dolphin brings strong winds to Okinawa
Dolphin struck southern Japan with maximum sustained winds of 162 kph, while gusts reached 216 kph, according to the supplied Reuters report.
Okinawa and Amami Island in Kagoshima prefecture were identified as the main areas expected to face the storm’s impact in Japan.
Authorities reported injuries to five elderly people in Okinawa. Three of them fell because of the strong winds. Another person was injured in Kagoshima. All six injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Power outages and flight cancellations reported
The storm also disrupted electricity supplies across southern Japan. Nearly 39,000 buildings were without power in Kagoshima, while slightly more than 12,000 buildings were affected in Okinawa.
Japanese airlines ANA and Japan Airlines cancelled flights to and from Okinawa as the storm moved through the region.
The combination of strong winds and heavy rainfall has prompted authorities to prepare for further disruption in areas along the typhoon’s path.
China prepares for Dolphin’s landfall
China is expecting Typhoon Dolphin to reach its eastern coast between late Sunday and early Monday. Authorities have classified the storm as an orange-category typhoon, the country’s second-highest typhoon warning level.
China also raised its emergency response level for Dolphin to Level III, the second-lowest level, amid concerns about flooding and landslides.
The National Meteorological Center said the storm is most likely to make landfall between Zhoushan in Zhejiang province and Fuding in Fujian province.
Winds near the storm’s centre are expected to reach between 38 and 45 metres per second, equivalent to roughly 85 to 101 mph.
Zhejiang shuts ports and ferry routes
Zhejiang raised its coastal typhoon alert to its highest level as authorities prepared for the storm. Port operations were halted and 162 passenger ferry routes were suspended.
Fujian also suspended ferry services as the storm approached the eastern Chinese coast.
Forecasters said eastern China could experience rain and strong winds through August 12, including in parts of Shanghai and neighbouring provinces.
Some areas of eastern Zhejiang could receive more than 600 mm of rain, raising concerns about flooding and landslides.
Airports and rail services face disruption
Ningbo Lishe International Airport in Zhejiang said it would stop operations from 11:30 p.m. local time on Saturday and suspend all flights on Sunday.
Shanghai’s Yangshan port had been cleared of vessels by late Friday as a precaution ahead of the typhoon.
Some rail services in the Yangtze River Delta are also scheduled to be suspended from Sunday as authorities prepare for the storm’s impact.
Taiwan cancels 78 international flights
The typhoon has also disrupted travel in Taiwan, where 78 international flights were cancelled, according to the government.
Heavy rain was forecast for northern parts of the island during the weekend. Authorities had not ordered evacuations as of Saturday, according to the supplied report.
China-Taiwan dispute over Taiwan Strait instructions
China has also ordered ships travelling through the Taiwan Strait to follow its traffic-control instructions because of the typhoon.
Taipei criticised the move as “ridiculous” and said Beijing had no right to restrict access to international waters.
China regards democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory and claims the strategically important Taiwan Strait. Taipei and Washington reject that claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Typhoon Dolphin expected to make landfall in China?
According to China’s National Meteorological Center, Dolphin is expected to make landfall between late Sunday and early Monday, most likely between Zhoushan in Zhejiang province and Fuding in Fujian province.
Which areas are expected to receive the heaviest rainfall?
Forecasters said eastern China could experience significant rainfall through August 12. Some areas of eastern Zhejiang could receive more than 600 mm of rain.
What happens next?
Authorities across Japan, China and Taiwan are preparing for further weather-related disruption as Dolphin moves toward the Chinese coast. Ports, ferry services, airports and some rail operations have already been suspended in affected areas.
Eastern China is expected to remain under the influence of rain and strong winds through August 12, while officials continue to monitor the risks of flooding and landslides.
