Typhoon Dolphin: Hongkongers stuck in Okinawa prepare for low supplies, power cuts

Hong Kong travelers in Okinawa faced dwindling supermarket supplies, potential power outages, and harsh weather as Typhoon Dolphin closed the island’s main airport and halted direct flights back home. Social media photos from Hong Kong-linked accounts showed empty bread shelves and fierce rain in northern Okinawa, while Naha in the south experienced a temporary reprieve between rain bands.

One traveler reported central and northern areas still had adequate supplies, cautioning residents to prepare candles and water for possible electricity and water cuts. However, another traveler in Mihama claimed calmer conditions, noting two large supermarkets remained well-stocked with no panic buying. Numerous attractions, including DMM Kariyushi Aquarium and Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom, closed due to the storm.

Over 500 flights were canceled across southern Japan, and nearly 260,000 Okinawa and Kagoshima residents were ordered to evacuate due to fears of strong winds, heavy rain, and high waves. Naha International Airport shut down on Friday, grounding all domestic and international flights as the typhoon passed just north of the island's main island with maximum sustained winds of 144km/h (89.4mph).

All six flights scheduled to depart from Hong Kong on Friday were either canceled or delayed, including HK Express flights 842, 844, and 824; Hong Kong Airlines 676 and 658; and Greater Bay Airlines flight 336D, now postponed until Monday. Hong Kong’s Travel Industry Council estimated only two to three tour groups in Okinawa after speaking with major agencies.

All travelers were reported safe, staying at their hotels. Steve Huen Kwok-chuen of EGL Tours said his agency had two travel groups in Okinawa; traffic was at a standstill, and both tours had to remain in hotels. All 35 travelers were safe, though a tour group departing for Okinawa the following day had its flight delayed by a few hours.

Authorities reported three elderly men suffered minor injuries, and approximately 240 people sought shelter at evacuation centers across Okinawa by midday.