TAIPEI, Taiwan — Typhoon Bavi has triggered strong winds and heavy rainfall across Japan’s southern islands, prompting evacuation orders and heightened alerts as the storm approaches Taiwan and eastern China.
At least 17 people have died in the southern Philippines, primarily due to landslides exacerbated by seasonal monsoon rains intensified by Typhoon Bavi before the storm shifted northward toward Taiwan, officials reported Saturday.
With sustained winds of 144 kph (89 mph) near its core, Bavi is projected to pass north of Taiwan on Saturday, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration. The storm is anticipated to move toward Zhejiang Province in eastern China, with China’s National Meteorological Center forecasting landfall early Sunday.
Japan’s Okinawa prefecture has issued warnings for high waves, strong winds, and storm surges. Over 200 flights were canceled, and severe weather impacted islands including Ishigaki.
Taiwan’s Central Emergency Operation Center reported at least 36 injuries by Saturday morning, many involving motorcyclists navigating flooded or windy roads. Approximately 14,210 residents were evacuated, primarily from Hualien County and Taichung City, while schools and offices closed across most of the island.
In southeastern China, coastal cities are preparing for Bavi’s effects. Over 3,700 people were relocated in Ningde, Fujian Province, Friday evening, with 17,000 emergency responders on standby. China’s National Meteorological Center issued an orange alert, leading to school closures, ferry suspensions, and canceled flights.
The agency also activated the first red rainstorm alert of the year. In the Philippines, a pre-dawn landslide in Sarangani Province’s Malapatan village killed 10 people and left three missing. Another landslide in Lanao del Sur’s Calanogas town claimed five lives, with six others unaccounted for. Two drowning deaths were reported in Bukidnon Province amid flooding.
Approximately 11,000 villagers sought shelter in 77 emergency facilities across southern Philippine provinces due to storm-related conditions.