The approach of typhoon number 7 to the Okinawa region, in Japan, has generated a scenario of widespread paralysis, directly impacting the daily lives of residents and the operation of essential services. Local authorities and large companies announced a series of temporary closures and changes to opening hours, seeking to ensure the safety of the population in the face of the storm. The latest updates indicate that much of the main island will face significant disruptions until the weather phenomenon passes, with constant reassessments as the weather evolves.
Restrictions on administration and public services
The public authorities in the Okinawa region adopted preventive measures for the safety of their employees and citizens. Important decisions about the functioning of legislative and executive bodies were made to avoid risks.
- The Okinawa Prefectural Assembly decided to suspend its plenary session scheduled for Friday, the 26th, rescheduling the general questions session for the following Monday, the 29th.
- On Thursday, the 25th, Miyakojima Prefecture and the Miyako area of Okinawa Prefectural Government stopped their activities.
- On Friday, the 26th, the Okinawa Prefectural Government will suspend its operations throughout the entire area of the main island.
Medical care impacted by typhoon
The healthcare system in Okinawa has also undergone substantial changes, with several hospitals adjusting their services to prioritize emergencies and ensure the safety of patients and staff. Most outpatient services have been suspended in several facilities.
- Miyako Prefectural Hospital:Outpatient services will remain closed throughout Thursday, the 25th, except for the emergency room.
- Okinawa South Prefectural Medical Center and Children’s Medical Center:Regular outpatient services were canceled on the morning of Friday, the 26th, with a scheduled resumption at 1:30 p.m.
- Naha Municipal Hospital:Outpatient services and the health examination center were suspended on the morning of Friday, the 26th. The decision on opening in the afternoon will be announced on the same day, while the emergency room will continue to operate normally.
- Okinawa Central Prefectural Hospital:General outpatient services will be closed on the morning of Friday, the 26th, with an expected return at 1pm. The emergency room will maintain its regular activities.
- North Okinawa Prefectural Hospital:General outpatient care, with the exception of emergencies, will not operate on the morning of Friday, the 26th, with reopening scheduled for 1pm. Dialysis services, however, will operate normally.
- Seiwa Prefectural Hospital:All services, except emergency care, were suspended on the morning of Friday, the 26th.
Suspension of air and land transport
The transport sector is one of the most affected by the typhoon, with a large number of flight cancellations and the complete interruption of ground services, causing significant disruption to travel and daily commutes.
- Air travel:Large companies announced cancellations of flights to and from the city hall:
- Bus line:All bus lines on the main island of Okinawa (Ryukyu Bus, Naha Bus, Okinawa Bus, Toyo Bus) will have their operations suspended from the first departure until noon on Friday the 26th.
- Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail):The service was completely suspended from the first train on Friday the 26th. The decision on resumption will be made after an assessment of the weather situation.
* JAL Group:56 flights canceled on Thursday the 25th and 36 on Friday the 26th.
*DWARF:18 flights canceled on Thursday the 25th and 52 on Friday the 26th.
*Skymark:A total of 25 flights canceled over the two days.
Large commercial establishments with changed opening hours
Large retail chains and public facilities have also adjusted their operations, with some stores operating reduced hours or closing completely to protect employees and customers.
- Aeon Ryukyu and Ryubo Store:Both networks operated normally on Thursday, the 25th, and are expected to resume regular operation on Friday, the 26th.
- San-A:All stores in the Miyako area remained closed on Thursday the 25th. Stores on Okinawa Main Island and Ishigaki operated normally. On Friday the 26th, stores on Okinawa Main Island are scheduled to open from 10am after preparations are completed. Stores in the Miyako and Ishigaki areas are expected to operate normally.
- Miyako Airport Terminal:It will remain closed throughout the day on Thursday, the 25th, due to the cancellation of all flights.
- Naha Airport Terminal:The domestic and international terminals will open at 9am on Friday the 26th.
- Jangria Okinawa:The complex will be completely closed on Friday the 26th, including the park and spa, and all tickets purchased will be refunded.
Context: The reality of typhoons in Okinawa
Okinawa, an archipelago located in southern Japan, is often the first Japanese territory to be hit by typhoons that form in the Pacific Ocean. Its geographic position makes it vulnerable to these storms, which can bring intense winds, torrential rain and flooding. Every typhoon season, which generally runs from May to October, Okinawa residents prepare for significant impacts on their daily lives. The interruption of essential services, such as health and transport, in addition to the closure of businesses and public bodies, are standard and crucial measures to protect lives and minimize material damage. Agility in communication and obedience to authorities’ guidelines are vital for safety in moments of high intensity of wind and rain, characteristic elements of these powerful tropical storms.