Super Typhoon Champi Approaches Japan's Sakishima Islands with "Very Strong" Intensity, Flood Warning Issued for Akita

Super Typhoon Champi, a large and violent typhoon, is moving westward south of Okinawa Prefecture and is expected to approach the Sakishima Islands as early as Friday, October 23, with "very strong" intensity. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has urged caution against gale-force winds and landslides, with maximum instantaneous wind speeds in Okinawa expected to reach 55 meters per second (198 kph) on Friday and Saturday. Rainfall over the 24-hour period ending at 6 AM on Friday is forecast to reach 150 mm in some areas of Okinawa. Additionally, a Level 5 flood warning, the highest level in Japan's disaster warning system, was issued in Akita prefecture on October 21 after the Koyoshi River overflowed. Rain is forecast to continue on October 22, increasing the risk of further flooding in low-lying areas and landslides.