Typhoon Saudel Batters Okinawa and Amami Islands, Leaving 3 Injured and 30,000+ Without Power
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Strong Typhoon Saudel struck Japan's southern regions on October 26, bringing violent winds and torrential rain to Okinawa and the Amami Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture. The storm caused at least 3 injuries and left over 30,000 households without electricity . More than 260 flights were cancelled, stranding over 38,000 travelers . Although Saudel has begun moving away from the impacted areas, its slow forward speed means conditions will remain hazardous for an extended period .
Key Points
- Typhoon Saudel was positioned approximately 180 kilometers north-northwest of Okinawa's main island at 8 AM on October 26, with maximum sustained winds of 40 meters per second and gusts reaching 55 meters per second .
- Amami experienced extreme rainfall, with some areas recording 250 millimeters in 24 hours, while Tokunoshima Town saw over 100 millimeters fall within a single hour .
- Power outages affected more than 30,000 to 34,000 households across the Amami region as of early morning, with numerous homes and buildings sustaining damage .
- All Nippon Airways cancelled over 100 flights and Japan Airlines scrapped approximately 60 flights, totaling more than 260 flight cancellations and impacting over 38,000 passengers .
- The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for landslides, storm surges, and possible tornadoes, with coastal waves expected to reach 7 to 9 meters .
Why It Matters
The typhoon has disrupted travel plans for tens of thousands, including Hong Kong residents, as carriers such as HK Express and Hong Kong Airlines suspended Okinawa routes . As Saudel is forecast to turn westward over the East China Sea by October 28, shipping lanes and fishing operations in the region may face continued hazardous conditions .
The typhoon has disrupted travel plans for tens of thousands, including Hong Kong residents, as carriers such as HK Express and Hong Kong Airlines suspended Okinawa routes . As Saudel is forecast to turn westward over the East China Sea by October 28, shipping lanes and fishing operations in the region may face continued hazardous conditions .