[Typhoon No. 9 Approaching] To All Travelers in the Yaeyama Islands: What Past "Devastation" Teaches Us About Preparations to Make Now

Violent Typhoon Approaching the Yaeyama Region

Violent Typhoon No. 9 (Barbie) is approaching the Yaeyama Islands.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, as of the 6th, Typhoon No. 9 is 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 the Yaeyama region—including Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island, and Yonaguni Island—expected around the 10th to 11th of this week. Wave warnings are expected to be issued in the Yaeyama region from around the 9th to 10th, with storm warnings likely around the 10th. High waves accompanied by swells will begin appearing from the 7th onward, even while the typhoon is still distant.

When you hear "tropical island typhoon," it may even sound refreshing, but typhoons in the Yaeyama Islands are literally in a class of their own. What do past records teach us—both travelers currently here and those of us waiting on the island? Let me reflect on this by looking back through newspapers published by the company where I work.

Three Typhoons Etched in Islanders' Memories

September 2006, Typhoon No. 13 — The Night That Toppled 221 Utility Poles

Maximum instantaneous wind speed of 69.9 meters per second on Ishigaki Island. This was an unforgettable typhoon that recorded the second-strongest winds in history at the time, after Typhoon No. 5 "Vera" in 1977. The editorial office's windows shattered and equipment was flooded. We rented several hotel rooms with emergency power to continue editorial work. I was in my third year at the company at the time, and coming from my hometown of Nagoya, I was stunned by winds beyond anything I could have imagined. We were ultimately unable to publish the newspaper.

The observation dome of the Ishigaki Island Astronomical Observatory, which had just opened in March of that year near the summit of Mt. Maezeki, was also damaged. The design was supposed to withstand winds of up to 100 meters per second, so you can imagine how fierce the winds must have been.

In the city center, vehicles overturned, and cars with loose parking brakes were blown by the wind, moving unmanned—a sight I witnessed myself. The apartment where I lived lost electricity and water for a full week. The propane gas tank disappeared along with the metal chains that had secured it to the concrete wall.

In the Yaeyama region, 57 people were injured, and 68 houses were completely or partially destroyed. The strong winds toppled 221 utility poles, leaving approximately 19,000 households without power. Recovery work proceeded through manpower efforts, 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 dated 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 introduced.

August 2015, Typhoon No. 15 — The Strongest Winds in Observation History

About nine years later, maximum instantaneous wind speeds of 71.0 meters per second were 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, so I did not experience it firsthand.

In the city, cars overturned one after another, windows shattered, and steel-framed roofs were blown off, toppling utility poles—damage occurred continuously. A maximum of approximately 21,500 households lost power, five people were injured, and 93 people from 46 households evacuated to designated shelters. In Tonoshiro, where our headquarters is located, 294.5 millimeters of rain fell in about 18 hours. Water restrictions were implemented throughout the city—truly a "direct hit to lifelines."

Around the island at this time, many people reported that when they entered the eye of the typhoon, "the sky temporarily brightened." However, caution is essential. Records in our newspaper include testimonies from residents whose storage sheds—which had survived the typhoon ten years earlier—were knocked over by the return winds after the eye passed.

Newspaper dated August 25, 2015. This year saw many typhoons strike Ishigaki Island and the Yaeyama region.

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

The following month of the same year, Yonaguni Island rewrote the records. The maximum instantaneous wind speed of 81.1 meters per second recorded in Sonai, Yonaguni Town, was not only the highest since observations began in 1956 but also the 4th highest in all of Japan's observation history—truly astounding.

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

Newspaper dated September 29, 2015. Yonaguni Island recorded maximum instantaneous wind speeds of 81.1 meters per second.

Before Your Trip and After Arriving on the Island

What past records show is that typhoons in the Yaeyama Islands bring travel itself to a halt through "wind," "power outages," "water outages," and "transportation disruption." Typhoon No. 9 maintains intensity similar to the typhoons of 2006 and 2015. It is now approaching the Yaeyama region with that strong force intact, with closest approach expected from Friday the 10th to Saturday the 11th.

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

Action Timeline

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

Tuesday the 7th to Wednesday the 8th: Immediately Cancel Ocean Activities

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

Thursday the 9th: Deadline for Shopping

• Shipping will stop and distribution on the island will also halt. Obtain 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 to Saturday the 11th: Do Not Step Outside

• Flights and ships will completely stop, and storm warnings will be issued. Stay safely indoors all day.

Checklist for Protecting Life and Travel Plans

1. Discuss Flight Changes and Extended Stays by "Thursday the 9th"

In the past, 68 flights were canceled in a single day, stranding thousands. For flights around the 10th, procedures become congested once cancellations are announced. Make changes proactively and discuss extended stays with your accommodation early.

2. Stock Up on Food, Water, and "Heat Countermeasures"

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

• Water and three meals' worth of emergency food (cup noodles require boiling water when the power is out, so bread, cereal, and canned goods are recommended)
• Fully charge mobile batteries
• Summer power outage measures (to prevent heatstroke when air conditioning stops—body wipes, battery-powered fans, etc.)

3. Move Rental Cars to Safe Locations

Overturning from strong winds and glass damage from flying debris occur frequently. This typhoon is expected to shift from northerly winds to easterly and then southerly. Accidents also occur when doors are caught by wind, damaging hinges, or hitting neighboring vehicles. 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 entering the eye of a typhoon, winds may temporarily cease and blue sky may appear. However, the "return winds" that follow immediately afterward are the most dangerous. Even if winds weaken, do not go outside—stay away from windows.

5. Get Accurate Information from "Public Agencies"

Do not be misled by misinformation on social media. 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 cycles. They protect coral and replenish water resources—these roles are real. But this is only meaningful when we ensure our safety.

While the path may still change, Typhoon No. 9 is approaching with a high-confidence (Grade A) forecast. Do not assume "it won't be serious"—please prepare early. I hope you can safely ride out the typhoon and once again enjoy the island's most beautiful face under clear skies.

※Typhoon intensity and course 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. (Damage figures from past events in the text are from the time of reporting.)