TOKYO — Japanese authorities issued evacuation orders for hundreds of thousands of residents in southwestern prefectures as Typhoon Dolphin approached the country's southern islands, canceling more than 500 flights and halting production at Toyota factories across the region.
Nearly 260,000 people across Kagoshima and Okinawa prefectures received orders to leave their homes, according to official statements.
The slow-moving storm is forecast to bring violent winds, heavy rainfall and high waves to the affected areas. Meteorologists expect it to maintain strength as it approaches Okinawa, a densely populated island chain.
More than 500 flights scheduled for Friday were canceled, disrupting travel for thousands of passengers on both domestic and international routes. Major airlines adjusted schedules as the storm closed in.
Toyota suspended work at nine factories. Fishing fleets in the affected prefectures were ordered to remain in port, and agricultural operations face potential damage from heavy rain and strong winds.
Residents in evacuation zones were urged to move to designated shelters and prepare for power outages and transportation stoppages. Coastal communities face particular risk from storm surges and flooding, disaster management agencies said.
Emergency response teams remained on standby to assist affected areas.
