As Typhoon Khanun approached Japan’s southern Okinawa island chain, authorities advised tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes to avoid the potential threat of torrential rains and high winds.
The typhoon, with winds exceeding 200 km/h, slowly moved northwest, prompting concerns for the popular tourist destination.
In response to the approaching storm, the airport in Okinawa’s capital, Naha, was closed, leading to the cancellation of about 900 flights. Additionally, at least 20,000 people were affected by evacuation advisories in the city.
As the storm gained strength, wind and rain intensified, with further escalation expected by the following day.
The typhoon’s trajectory remained uncertain, with some meteorologists suggesting it could potentially impact eastern China later in the week.
However, there were also reports that it might turn eastward, posing a possible threat to Japan’s main islands. Authorities closely monitored the situation, and residents in the affected areas were urged to stay vigilant and heed evacuation warnings for their safety.
