Typhoon Saudel nears the Ryukyus, injuring 5

Typhoon Saudel strikes Japan’s Okinawa and the Amami islands of Kagoshima Prefecture, injuring at least five people and leaving about 40,000 households without power.

Winds remain strong over Okinawa and Amami islands on Wednesday, with the Japan Meteorological Agency warning the affected areas could see violent gusts capable of toppling poles or damaging buildings.

Multiple cases of house damage have been reported, with over 30,000 households blackout in Amami and more than 2,000 in Okinawa.

Numerous flights connecting the affected areas have been cancelled, including 100 flights operated by ANA.

The meteorological agency says Saudel is moving northwestward over waters north of Okinawa, and the severe weather is expected to persist.