Taiwan Cancels Nearly 1,000 Flights as Typhoon Champi Approaches
Taiwan suspended most public activities on Friday as Typhoon Champi approached the island, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall and concerns about flooding. Authorities cancelled hundreds of flights, closed financial markets and ordered evacuations in vulnerable mountainous areas.
The storm, which was previously classified as a super typhoon, continued to produce wind gusts of around 191 kilometres per hour near its centre, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration. At the time of the report, Champi was located approximately 220 kilometres east of Taiwan.
Forecasts indicated that the typhoon could pass close to northeastern Taiwan before turning north towards China’s coast and eventually moving towards southern Japan. However, meteorologists warned that a change in the storm’s movement could still bring it directly over the island.
Taiwanese authorities reported one death and 171 injuries as the storm approached. Around 2,639 people had been evacuated from mountainous communities, while power outages affected more than 77,000 households, according to the government and state power company Taipower.
Officials warned that the storm’s unusually broad wind field could prolong its effects across much of Taiwan. The weather agency estimated its radius at approximately 320 kilometres, raising concerns about sustained strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Coastal communities received emergency mobile phone alerts advising residents to seek shelter as wind gusts were forecast to exceed 150 kilometres per hour in some areas. Heavy rainfall was also expected in northern mountainous regions, including areas near Taipei.
In northeastern Yilan County, local authorities distributed sandbags and prepared rescue boats and amphibious vehicles for possible flood emergencies. Officials said the military could assist with evacuations and disaster response if conditions deteriorated.
In the northern port city of Keelung, boat owners secured their vessels ahead of worsening weather. Residents also expressed concern about flooding, which has affected parts of the city during previous weather events.
The storm disrupted air travel across the island. Taiwan’s transport ministry cancelled all 262 scheduled domestic flights and 717 international flights for Friday. The high-speed rail service connecting northern and southern Taiwan continued operating, while Taipei’s public transport system remained available with reduced services.
Financial markets were also closed for the day, and schools and offices across most of Taiwan suspended normal operations. The Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands, located near the Chinese coast, were an exception.
Although Taiwan has extensive emergency planning and infrastructure for dealing with tropical cyclones, authorities continued to urge residents to follow official weather updates and take precautions against strong winds, flooding and possible landslides.
Champi was also forecast to approach Yonaguni, Japan’s westernmost inhabited island in Okinawa Prefecture, as the storm continued along its projected path.
Authorities remained focused on emergency preparations and public safety as the typhoon moved through the region.
