Typhoon Dolphin batters Japan's Okinawa before bearing down on China

Typhoon Dolphin has recently struck Japan's Okinawa island, causing significant damage and disruptions. Power has been cut to 44,000 buildings and at least five people have been injured, five of whom suffered non-life-threatening injuries due to falling trees. Okinawa's main airport, Naha International, has been closed since Friday as the storm approached and numerous flights were cancelled.

The storm reached maximum wind speeds of 162km/h on Saturday and the Japan Meteorological Agency classified it as a very strong typhoon, warning of high waves, storm surges, and lightning strikes. Authorities in China's Zhejiang province have issued a coastal typhoon alert at its highest level and halted port and ferry services.

In Hong Kong, a record high temperature of 36.9C was recorded as Typhoon Dolphin swept warm air over the city. Typhoon season in the western Pacific typically lasts from May to October, and this year, driven by an El Niño event, is expected to see more intense storms. On average, three cyclones make landfall in Japan each year, but only around three of the typical 25 tropical storms will reach typhoon strength.