Pacific — Typhoon Bavi lashed Japan’s southern Sakishima island chain with torrential rain and powerful winds on Saturday as it moved toward Taiwan, prompting authorities across the region to issue warnings over flooding, landslides and dangerous weather conditions.
On Japan’s Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, strong winds sent debris flying through largely deserted streets while boats rocked violently in harbours amid rough seas. The typhoon packed maximum sustained winds of 144 km/h (90 mph) near its centre, with authorities warning that wind gusts could reach up to 198 km/h.
READ MORE : Heavy rains trigger flooding across western Japan
Flights and ferry services to and from Ishigaki, a popular tourist destination, remained suspended throughout Saturday as officials urged residents to stay indoors.
In neighbouring Taiwan, authorities evacuated more than 14,000 people, mainly from mountainous regions, as the island braced for the storm. Although Bavi is not expected to make landfall, forecasters warned that some areas could receive nearly one metre (3.3 feet) of rainfall, raising concerns over flash floods and landslides.
Landslides kill 15 in Philippines and 6 remain missing
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, at least 15 people were killed and six others remained missing after heavy rains triggered by Typhoon Bavi caused two deadly landslides on the southern island of Mindanao, according to local authorities.
Residents in Taiwan’s northern port city of Keelung, expected to be among the worst-hit areas, stocked up on food, reinforced windows with tape and placed sandbags outside homes and businesses as preparations intensified.
Bavi, which struck Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as a super typhoon earlier this week, has gradually weakened while moving across the Pacific. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration said the storm’s maximum sustained winds had eased to 155 km/h (96 mph), with gusts reaching around 190 km/h, though it remains a dangerous weather system.
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