Typhoon Dolphin has struck Japan’s Okinawa and Amami islands, causing widespread disruption before moving towards China’s eastern coast. The storm has cut electricity to at least 44,000 buildings, injured five elderly people and forced the closure of Okinawa’s main airport, highlighting the risks posed by powerful seasonal storms in the western Pacific.

Dolphin reached maximum winds of 162km/h (101mph) and was classified as “very strong” by Japan’s meteorological agency, which warned of high waves, storm surges and lightning. China expects the typhoon to make landfall late on Sunday or early on Monday; Zhejiang has issued its highest coastal alert, halted port and ferry services, closed schools and suspended flights at Ningbo Lishe International Airport.