Typhoon Bavi batters Japan islands as Taiwan and China brace for landfall

Typhoon Bavi brought strong winds and rain to Japan's southern islands on Saturday, while Taiwan and eastern China prepared for the storm with evacuations, service suspensions and high alerts. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 144 kph near its centre, and forecasters said it was expected to pass north of Taiwan before moving towards eastern China.

According to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, the typhoon is forecast to pass north of Taiwan on Saturday. China's National Meteorological Centre said it is expected to move towards Zhejiang in eastern China and make landfall in the early hours of Sunday.

In Japan's southern islands in Okinawa prefecture, local authorities warned of high waves, strong winds and storm surges. More than 200 flights were cancelled across the region, according to public broadcaster NHK. Strong winds and rain hit islands including Ishigaki.