[Typhoon No. 9 Approaching] To All Travelers in the Yaeyama Islands: What Past 'Fury' Teaches Us About What to Prepare for Now

Intense Typhoon Approaching the Yaeyama Region

The intense Typhoon No. 9 (Bebinca) is approaching the Yaeyama Islands.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, as of the 6th, Typhoon No. 9 was near the Mariana Islands with a central pressure of 910 hectopascals and maximum instantaneous wind speeds of approximately 80 meters per second. The typhoon is expected to reach peak intensity around the 8th, then change course northward, with the closest approach to Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island, Yonaguni Island, and other parts of the Yaeyama region expected around the 10th to 11th later this week. Wave warnings are expected to be issued for the Yaeyama region from around the 9th to 10th, and storm warnings around the 10th. Even from the 7th onward, while still distant from the typhoon, high waves accompanied by swells will begin to appear.

When you hear "tropical island typhoon," it may even sound refreshingly cool, but Yaeyama typhoons are literally in a league of their own. What do past records teach us—both travelers during their stay and those of us who live here? Let me look back through the pages of the newspaper where I work.

Three Typhoons Etched in Memory

September 2006, Typhoon No. 13 — The Night 221 Utility Poles Were Blown Down

Maximum instantaneous wind speed of 69.9 meters per second on Ishigaki Island. This unforgettable typhoon recorded what was then the second-highest wind speed in history, after Typhoon No. 5 "Vera" in 1977. The editorial office windows shattered and equipment was flooded. We rented several hotel rooms with emergency power supplies to continue editing work. Incidentally, I was in my third year with the company at the time, and having come from Nagoya, I was stunned by winds beyond anything imaginable back home. We ultimately could not publish the newspaper that day.

In the Yaeyama region, 57 people suffered serious or minor injuries, and 68 houses were completely or partially destroyed. Strong winds toppled 221 utility poles, causing power outages affecting approximately 19,000 households. Restoration work proceeded with all hands on deck, but it took about a week for electricity to be restored. Combined with water outages and restricted water supply, total damages including agricultural crops exceeded ¥700 million. The municipal fire department responded 85 times, a record that would long be remembered as the "highest in the district."

Newspaper from September 17, 2006. Due to the typhoon's impact, reporting was delayed by one day. Following this typhoon, a large generator capable of running the printing press was installed.

August 2015, Typhoon No. 15 — The Strongest Wind in Recorded History

And about nine years later, a maximum instantaneous wind speed of 71 meters per second was recorded in Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City. This was the strongest wind ever recorded on Ishigaki Island since observations began in 1941. I had transferred to the Naha branch with my family at the time, so I did not experience it firsthand.

Throughout the city, cars overturned one after another, windows shattered, and steel-frame roofs were blown off, toppling utility poles—such damage occurred in rapid succession. Power outages affected a maximum of approximately 21,500 households, five people were injured, and 93 people from 46 households voluntarily evacuated to designated shelters. In Tonoshiro, where our main office is located, 294.5 millimeters of rain fell in about 18 hours. Water supply restrictions were implemented throughout the city—truly a "direct hit on lifelines."

At various locations around the island at this time, there were reports of the sky "briefly brightening" as they entered the eye of the typhoon. However, you must not let your guard down. Our newspaper also documented testimony from residents whose storage sheds—which had survived the typhoon ten years earlier—were knocked down by the return winds after the eye passed.

Newspaper from August 25, 2015. Many typhoons struck Ishigaki Island and the Yaeyama region that year.

September 2015, Typhoon No. 21 — 81.1 Meters on Yonaguni, 4th Highest in National Recorded History

The following month of the same year, Yonaguni Island broke records. The maximum instantaneous wind speed of 81.1 meters per second observed in Sonai, Yonaguni Town, was not only the highest since observations began in 1956, but also an astonishing 4th highest in the nation's recorded history.

In Yonaguni Town, nearly all households lost power, and close to half of telephone lines went down. Within the district, 68 flights were canceled at both Ishigaki and Yonaguni airports, affecting approximately 4,600 people. While 4,600 may sound small, there were numerous cancellations, so the reservation base was likely much larger. Tourists stranded on Ishigaki Island were in a "canned" state at hotels, with voices lamenting "the wind is so strong I can't even go to the convenience store." This marked the fifth time that year a typhoon approached Ishigaki Island—a year plagued by typhoons.

Newspaper from September 29, 2015. Yonaguni Island recorded a maximum instantaneous wind speed of 81.1 meters per second.

Before Your Trip and After Arriving on the Island

What past records demonstrate is that Yaeyama typhoons bring travel itself to a halt through "wind," "power outages," "water outages," and "transportation disruptions." Typhoon No. 9 is currently approaching the Yaeyama region while maintaining very strong intensity, with closest approach expected from Friday the 10th through Saturday the 11th.

To protect the safety of those already on the island, I have compiled a timeline of "when and what to do." Please keep this in mind to safely complete your enjoyable trip.

Action Timeline Going Forward

The key to typhoon preparedness is working backward from the day of closest approach and acting ahead.

Tuesday the 7th ~ Wednesday the 8th: Cancel all ocean recreation immediately

• Even if the sky is clear, strong "swells" are already reaching the ocean. Absolutely do not approach the beach.

Thursday the 9th: Deadline for stocking up

• Ship services will stop and distribution on the island will halt. Gather necessary supplies by the morning of this day at the latest. Cup noodles and similar items are already becoming scarce. The newly renovated San-A Ishigaki City store has a larger stockroom than before, which may be helpful in choosing where to shop.

Friday the 10th ~ Saturday the 11th: Do not step outside at all

• Air and sea services will completely stop, and storm warnings will be issued. Stay safely indoors all day.

Checklist for Protecting Life and Travel Plans

1. Consult about flight changes and extended stays by "Thursday the 9th"

In the past, 68 flights were canceled in a single day, stranding thousands. For flights scheduled around the 10th, procedures will be concentrated once cancellations are confirmed. Proceed with changes early and consult with accommodations about extended stays as soon as possible.

2. Stock up on food, water, and "heat countermeasures"

During typhoons, extended power outages, water outages, and temporary store closures are routine. Prepare early.

• Water and emergency food for three meals (cup noodles require boiling water without electricity, so bread, cereal, and canned goods are recommended)
• Fully charge mobile batteries
• Summer power outage measures (cooling wipes, battery-operated fans, etc. to prevent heat stroke when air conditioning stops)

3. Move rental cars to safe locations

Vehicle rollovers from strong winds and glass damage from flying debris occur frequently. Move vehicles to safe locations such as behind buildings, and check insurance coverage including Non-Operation Charge (NOC) in advance for peace of mind.

4. Even if you enter the eye of the typhoon, absolutely do not go outside

When you enter the eye of the typhoon, winds may temporarily cease and blue sky may appear. However, the "return winds" that strike immediately after are the most dangerous. Even if winds weaken, do not go outside and stay away from windows.

5. Obtain accurate information from "official sources"

Do not be misled by social media misinformation. Check official disaster prevention information from the Ishigaki Island Local Meteorological Observatory and each municipality (Ishigaki City, Taketomi Town, Yonaguni Town).

Typhoons are also part of the island's natural cycle. They protect coral reefs and replenish water resources—these too are facts. But this is only true when we can ensure our safety.

While the path may still change, Typhoon No. 9 is approaching with a high-confidence Grade A forecast. Please do not assume "it won't be that bad" and prepare early. May you safely weather the typhoon and once again enjoy the island's most beautiful expressions under clear skies.

※Typhoon intensity and path are subject to change. Always check the latest information from the Japan Meteorological Agency, Ishigaki Island Local Meteorological Observatory, and disaster prevention information from each municipality. (Figures regarding past damage in the text are from the time of reporting.)