Typhoon Dolphin hits Japan as China braces for coming storm

On Saturday, Typhoon Dolphin intensified over Japan's southern territories, resulting in injuries and power outages. The most impacted regions were Okinawa and Amami Island in Kagoshima prefecture. The storm is anticipated to proceed to China, with Chinese authorities preparing to close ports and halt ferry services ahead of its expected arrival between late Sunday and early Monday.

The China National Meteorological Centre predicts Typhoon Dolphin may make landfall between Zhoushan in Zhejiang province and Fuding in Fujian province. Zhejiang has escalated its coastal typhoon alert to its peak level, halting port operations and dismissing 162 passenger ferry routes. The storm is expected to bring rainfall and strong winds to eastern China, including areas near Shanghai, until August 12.

Some regions of eastern Zhejiang may receive over 600 mm (23.6 inches) of rain, according to forecasts. Ningbo Lishe International Airport in Zhejiang announced it would cease operations at 11:30 p.m. (1530 GMT) on Saturday and postpone all flights on Sunday. Taiwan, facing 63 cancelled international flights, is also predicted to face heavy rain in the north over the coming weekend.

Additionally, new political tensions have emerged between Taiwan and China following Beijing's directive that ships passing through the Taiwan Strait must comply with its traffic control measures during the typhoon. Taiwan dismissed Beijing's orders as "ridiculous," asserting that China has no authority to impede access to international waters.