Typhoon Champi Weakens but Cripples Taiwan Transport Network

Taiwan cancelled all 931 scheduled flights on Friday as Typhoon Champi passed close to the island. The Transport Ministry halted 262 domestic services and 669 international departures. High-speed rail lines along the western coast remained operational.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 298 kilometres per hour earlier in the week. By Friday, those winds had dropped to 155 kilometres per hour as the system approached from the southeast. Forecasts indicate the storm's centre will stay offshore while it moves past the northeastern tip and turns toward Japan.

One person died on Thursday in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast. Fire department officials said the victim was swept away by waves. Ninety-four others were injured in the storm. The government evacuated more than 2,600 people from vulnerable mountainous areas.

Taipei’s transport infrastructure remained largely open. The subway continued to run, and the city experienced only light showers and gusty winds. The Central Weather Administration advised coastal residents to avoid outdoor activities and driving. Officials warned drivers to watch for falling objects.

In southwestern Japan, the typhoon injured one person and cut power to nearly 2,000 homes on Ishigaki island. A woman in her 70s broke a leg on Miyako island due to strong winds. Dozens of flights to and from Miyako, Ishigaki, and Okinawa were cancelled. The Okinawa prefecture government confirmed the injuries and power outages.

The northern Philippines also felt the storm’s effects. The coast guard barred ships and ferries from sailing in rough waters off several northern towns. The main domestic airport in Basco, the capital of Batanes province, closed on Friday. Aviation officials cancelled two local flights and boarded up airport windows as a precaution.

In Cagayan province, nearly 200 people moved to safer ground. Almost 100 of them went to government-run emergency shelters. Provincial officials suspended classes at all levels in the island town of Calayan. Earlier in the month, Champi passed over Guam, where a federal disaster area was declared.