Typhoon Bavi lashes Japan's Sakishima islands as Taiwan braces for heavy rain

Typhoon Bavi battered Japan's southern Sakishima island chain on Saturday with torrential rain and powerful winds as it moved towards Taiwan, prompting weather warnings, transport disruption, and large-scale evacuations across the region amid fears of flooding and landslides.

On Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, strong winds sent small pieces of debris flying through largely deserted streets, with only a few vehicles venturing out in the severe weather.

At the local harbour, boats were tossed by rough waters generated by the powerful storm, which had maximum sustained winds of 144 kph (90 mph) near its centre. Authorities also warned that wind gusts could reach 198 kph.

Flights and ferry services to and from Ishigaki, a popular tourist destination, remained suspended throughout Saturday.

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Taiwan evacuates thousands ahead of storm

Across the Taiwan Strait, authorities evacuated more than 14,000 people, mostly from mountainous regions, as preparations intensified for the arrival of Typhoon Bavi from the north.

Although forecasters said the storm was gradually weakening and was not expected to make landfall in Taiwan, officials continued precautionary measures due to predictions of nearly 1 metre (3.3 feet) of rainfall in some areas.

Most evacuations took place in northern and eastern Taiwan. Authorities also cancelled 917 international flights and 274 domestic flights.

Nearly every city and county declared a typhoon holiday on Saturday, shutting offices and schools that would otherwise have been open during the weekend. Taiwan's main north-south high-speed rail service continued operating with reduced services.

Residents monitor worsening weather

In Taipei, strong winds and rain swept through the capital, although some residents still ventured outdoors.

"It's OK, it's not that serious," said Taipei resident Yeh Mao-hsiung, 68, out for a morning walk with his dog. "It's just a little bit more wind."

After passing northeast of Taiwan, Typhoon Bavi is expected to make landfall near the eastern Chinese city of Wenzhou, which has a population of 10 million, early on Sunday.