
Typhoon Bavi is approaching Taiwan, bringing waves several meters high and very strong winds. According to meteorological authorities, the storm is expected to hit the north of the island on Friday and Saturday, July 10 and 11, before continuing towards China.
Taiwan's Meteorological Service warned that the winds could cause significant damage, especially in the port city of Keelung and Yilan county.
Bavi, which was classified as a super typhoon earlier this week, has now lost some strength, but is still packing sustained winds of up to 184 km/h and gusts reaching 227 km/h.
Meteorologists say that, with a wind radius of about 380 kilometers, Bavi is the largest typhoon to hit Taiwan since 1995.
Authorities have suspended most ferry services to surrounding islands and urged people to avoid the coast. Waves of up to 6 meters were recorded in some areas.
Fishermen have rushed back to port, while residents have taken measures to protect their boats and property. Schools and supermarkets have also been closed on Japan's southwestern islands, while dozens of flights have been canceled.
After passing near Taiwan, the typhoon is expected to hit China's east coast over the weekend.
China has already faced extreme weather this week, with storms causing 17 deaths, widespread flooding and damage to infrastructure.
Experts warn that record ocean temperatures and the El Nino climate phenomenon are favoring the creation of more powerful storms and more intense rainfall.