Typhoon Saudel Approaches Japan and Taiwan, Heavy Rain Warnings Issued

TOKYO: Typhoon Saudel, categorised as a moderate-strength storm, was reported to be moving towards southern Japan and northern Taiwan today, with the potential to bring heavy rain to the affected areas.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued warnings regarding the risk of strong winds and large waves as the typhoon approaches the island chain southwest of Okinawa.

The typhoon system was moving at a speed of approximately 20 kilometres per hour (km/h), with maximum sustained wind speeds of 162 km/h and gusts of up to 216 km/h.

Following this, authorities urged residents in affected areas to be prepared for risks of landslides, floods and rising river water levels due to heavy rain.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) informed that Typhoon Saudel is expected to move north of the island before bringing heavy rain to northern Taiwan starting late Thursday to Friday.

In a related development, a separate weather system has caused mudslides in the cities of Tainan and Kaohsiung, claiming one life while four others were reported missing.

Taiwanese authorities said Kaohsiung recorded nearly one metre of rain, or 913 millimetres, over the past three days, thus exceeding the amount of rainfall recorded during Typhoon Morakot in 2009.

After passing through the waters north of Taiwan, Typhoon Saudel is expected to head towards the coastal shores of Fujian in eastern China.

Following that, China’s National Marine Environmental Forecasting Centre issued an orange alert following forecasts of waves up to seven to 12 metres high in the East China Sea.

AGENSI