Typhoon Saudel Batters Okinawa and Amami Islands

Very strong Typhoon Saudel struck Japan's Okinawa and Amami island chains on August 25-26, 2026, with winds gusting to roughly 40 meters per second. Over 30,000 homes lost power in Kagoshima Prefecture, and Naha Airport saw roughly 150-280 flight cancellations as ANA and Japan Airlines grounded services affecting tens of thousands of passengers. At least two people were injured, including a 78-year-old woman in Uruma, Okinawa struck by wind-blown debris. More than 23 centimeters of rain fell within 24 hours in the Amami region, prompting landslide warnings. The storm then tracked west toward eastern China.