Taiwan and China`s eastern coastal regions stepped up emergency preparations on Saturday as Typhoon Bavi approached after battering Japan`s southern islands with heavy rain and powerful winds.
The storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 144 kilometres per hour, is forecast to pass north of Taiwan before making landfall in China`s Zhejiang province early Sunday, according to weather authorities.
Taiwan`s Central Emergency Operation Center said at least 36 people had been injured, with many accidents involving motorcyclists navigating rain-soaked roads.
Authorities also evacuated more than 14,000 residents from vulnerable areas, including Hualien County and Taichung, while schools and government offices remained closed across much of the island.
In Japan, Okinawa prefecture remained under warnings for dangerous waves, strong winds and possible storm surges. Public broadcaster NHK reported that more than 200 flights were cancelled as severe weather disrupted travel across the region. Islands including Ishigaki experienced heavy rainfall and strong gusts.
China also intensified its disaster response as the typhoon moved closer to the mainland.
In Fujian province, officials evacuated more than 3,700 residents from high-risk coastal areas by Friday evening, while over 17,000 emergency personnel were placed on standby, according to state media.
China`s National Meteorological Center issued an orange typhoon alert, the country`s second-highest warning level, prompting the suspension of ferry services, school closures, flight cancellations and disruptions to some high-speed rail services.
The weather agency also issued its first red alert of the year for heavy rainfall, warning of the potential for severe flooding and weather-related hazards in affected areas.
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