Nearly 260,000 residents ordered to move as strong winds, heavy rain, and flight cancellations hit southwestern regions. Southwestern Japan faced a fresh weather threat on Friday as Typhoon Dolphin approached with powerful winds and heavy rain, forcing thousands of families to leave their homes and disrupting air travel across the region. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said Typhoon Dolphin, a Category 1 storm, was nearing the chain of islands between Kyushu and Okinawa Prefecture with maximum sustained winds of 144 kilometres per hour and gusts reaching 198 kilometres per hour. Read More: Japan earthquake death toll reaches 13 as rescue efforts continueThe JMA warned that Typhoon Dolphin was expected to maintain its strength while approaching Okinawa, increasing the possibility of strong winds capable of damaging buildings and infrastructure. Officials have advised residents in affected areas to remain alert, follow evacuation instructions, and avoid unnecessary travel as the typhoon moves closer.