Taiwan took precautionary measures in response to Typhoon Champi, with closures of schools, offices, and the cancellation of hundreds of flights as the storm swept by the island on Friday. Originally boasting peak sustained winds of 298 kilometers per hour, Champi has since weakened to 155 kilometers per hour as it neared Taiwan from the southwest. The storm’s trajectory is expected to keep its center offshore as it passes the island’s northeastern tip before veering north towards Japan’s southwestern islands.
The Central Weather Administration in Taiwan issued warnings for residents in coastal areas to avoid outdoor activities and driving, emphasizing the risk of falling objects. Tragically, one person lost their life on Thursday after being swept away by waves on Liuqiu, a small island off Taiwan’s southeastern coast, with 94 others reported injured. To mitigate risks, over 2,600 individuals have been evacuated from vulnerable mountainous regions.
All 262 domestic flights within Taiwan were halted, alongside 669 international flights, according to the Transport Ministry. Despite its substantial reach of approximately 320 kilometers, encompassing most of Taiwan, transportation services such as the subway remained operational in the capital city of Taipei, experiencing light showers and gusts of wind. Experts anticipate Champi’s significant impact on Taiwan to persist until Saturday, with Japan’s southern mainland forecasted to face the storm’s effects by Monday.
In southwestern Japan, one individual sustained injuries due to the typhoon, resulting in flight cancellations and power outages. The aftermath of Champi has caused disruptions in Miyako, Ishigaki, and Okinawa islands, with numerous flights being canceled. In the Philippines, the coast guard enforced restrictions on ships and ferries in northern regions due to worsening sea conditions.
The typhoon led to the temporary closure of the main domestic airport in Basco, Batanes provincial capital, with local flight cancellations. In Cagayan province, nearly 200 individuals relocated to safer areas as a precaution, with around 100 seeking shelter in emergency facilities. Classes were suspended in Calayan, an island town off Cagayan, due to the typhoon. Champi had previously affected several Pacific islands, including Guam, where a federal disaster declaration was made.