Tokyo: Typhoon Bavi has lashed Japan’s southern Sakishima island chain with strong winds and heavy rain, disrupting flights and ferry services, while Taiwan evacuated more than 14,000 people ahead of the storm.
The system struck the Sakishima island chain, including Ishigaki in Okinawa prefecture. Debris moved across empty streets while only a few vehicles remained on the roads. Boats rocked at harbour as strong currents intensified. The storm recorded sustained winds of 144 kph, with gusts expected to reach 198 kph. Authorities warned residents to stay indoors as conditions worsened.
Transport services were heavily disrupted across the region. Flights and ferry operations in Ishigaki were suspended for the day. Airlines cancelled 345 flights and more than 24,000 households in Okinawa lost power due to the storm. Authorities urged residents to remain indoors and stay alert for further weather warnings.
✈️ Flight Update: Due to Typhoon Bavi, Thai Airways has cancelled flights TG665 (Shanghai–Bangkok) on 11 July 2026 and TG637 (Taipei–Bangkok) on 12 July 2026. Please check your flight status and contact Thai Airways or your travel agent for rebooking options. Stay safe!… pic.twitter.com/S8lntkKYHK
— Thai Airways (@ThaiAirways) July 11, 2026
In Taiwan, authorities evacuated more than 14,000 people from mountainous areas as a precaution. Officials acted despite forecasts that the storm would not make direct landfall. Rainfall was expected to reach nearly 1 metre in some regions, raising concerns over floods and landslides. Emergency teams were placed on standby across the island.
Flight operations across Taiwan were also affected. A total of 920 international flights and 280 domestic services were cancelled. Most cities and counties declared a typhoon holiday, shutting offices and schools. The high-speed rail line remained operational but ran at reduced capacity.
In Taipei, strong winds and rain affected daily activity, though some residents remained outdoors. In the Beitou area, gusts of around 100 kph brought down trees and caused rivers to swell. The storm is forecast to move towards Wenzhou in eastern China, where preparations are already under way to limit damage and protect residents.
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