Powerful Typhoon Champi threatens Japan’s southwestern islands with destructive winds
By The South Asia Times
TOKYO - A powerful typhoon is expected to approach Japan’s southwestern Sakishima Islands from Friday into Saturday, bringing potentially destructive winds, waves of up to 11 metres and torrential rain, public broadcaster NHK reported Thursday.
Typhoon Champi was moving west-northwest over waters south of Okinawa at 20 kilometres per hour as of 6 a.m. local time Thursday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The storm had a central atmospheric pressure of 905 hectopascals, with maximum sustained winds of 198 kilometres per hour near its centre and gusts reaching 288 kilometres per hour.
The agency warned that the typhoon could generate winds strong enough to damage or blow down some houses and urged residents to make preparations before conditions deteriorate.
Winds have been strengthening across the Sakishima island chain, which includes Ishigaki and Miyako islands. In Hirara, part of Miyakojima City, a maximum gust exceeding 93 kilometres per hour was recorded during the three hours leading up to 6:30 a.m. Thursday, NHK reported.
Although Champi is forecast to weaken slightly, it is expected to remain powerful as it approaches the islands.
Maximum wind gusts of 144 kilometres per hour are forecast, with peak gusts potentially reaching 198 kilometres per hour as the storm draws closer.
The Japan Meteorological Agency also warned of extremely rough seas around Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture. Waves could reach 11 metres in the Sakishima Islands between Friday and Saturday.
Heavy rainfall is another major concern. Up to 150 millimetres of rain could fall in the 24 hours through Friday morning, followed by as much as 300 millimetres in the subsequent 24 hours through Saturday morning.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert for violent winds, high waves, landslides, flooding in low-lying areas and rivers overflowing their banks.
Champi is subsequently expected to turn northeast, potentially bringing adverse weather to western Japan. However, the storm’s future track remains uncertain, NHK reported.
Residents have been advised to monitor the latest weather forecasts and follow official safety guidance as the typhoon approaches.
