3 weeks ago
Japan orders evacuations, cancels 500 flights as Typhoon Dolphin nears
A big storm called Typhoon Dolphin is getting very close to Japan.
The storm is very strong, with winds as fast as a fast race car.
Almost 260,000 people in southern Japan were told to leave their homes to be safe.
The storm could knock down buildings and cause big floods.
More than 500 airplanes could not fly, so people had to change their travel plans.
The car company Toyota stopped work at nine of its factories for the day.
Japan is extra worried because the same area had a big earthquake last week.
Many people in Kumamoto are still staying in shelters because their houses fell down.
The weather is also very hot, and people were told to be careful not to get sick from the heat.
Everyone is hoping the storm will pass without hurting anyone.
Nearly 260,000 residents in Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures were ordered to evacuate as Typhoon Dolphin approached southwestern Japan.
More than 500 flights were cancelled and Toyota suspended work at nine factories on Friday.
The Category 1 typhoon had maximum sustained winds of 144 kph (89.5 mph) with gusts reaching 198 kph.
Officials warned of winds strong enough to damage or collapse structures, plus heavy rain and high waves across Kyushu and Okinawa.
About 6,700 Kumamoto residents remain in evacuation centres after last week's magnitude 7.1 earthquake, and heatstroke warnings were issued with temperatures up to 36°C.
- Who
- Nearly 260,000 residents of Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures in southwestern Japan, as well as about 6,700 people still in evacuation centres in Kumamoto prefecture.
- What
- Typhoon Dolphin approached Japan, prompting evacuation orders, the cancellation of more than 500 flights, and the suspension of work at nine Toyota factories.
- Where
- Southwestern Japan, near a chain of islands between the Kyushu region and Okinawa prefecture.
- When
- Friday, August 7, following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto the previous week.
- Why
- The slow-moving storm brought violent winds, heavy rain and high waves, with risks of structural damage and flooding from a possible linear rain band.
Key facts
- Storm
- Typhoon Dolphin (Category 1)
- Maximum sustained winds
- 144 kph (89.5 mph)
- Peak gusts
- 198 kph
- Evacuation orders
- Nearly 260,000 residents in Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures
- Flights cancelled
- More than 500
- Toyota factories suspended
- 9
- Previous earthquake
- Magnitude 7.1 in Kumamoto last week
- Kumamoto residents in evacuation centres
- About 6,700
Sources
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