Taiwan took precautionary measures against Typhoon Champi by closing schools, offices, and halting numerous flights due to the storm’s strong winds and heavy rainfall. Initially reaching maximum sustained winds of 298 kilometers per hour, Champi weakened to 155 kilometers per hour as it neared Taiwan from the southwest. The typhoon is expected to pass by the island’s northeastern tip before moving north towards Japan’s southwestern islands.
Authorities from Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration advised residents in coastal areas to refrain from outdoor activities, driving, and to watch out for potential falling objects. Tragically, one individual lost their life after being swept away by waves on Liuqiu, a small island off Taiwan’s southeastern coast, with 94 others sustaining injuries.
Approximately 1,300 individuals residing in vulnerable mountainous regions have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. The transport ministry reported the cancellation of all 262 domestic flights in Taiwan and 669 international flights due to the typhoon. While high-speed rail services on the western coast remained operational, flights in southwestern Japan were impacted, resulting in injuries, flight cancellations, and power outages.
In Japan’s southwestern islands, including Miyako, Ishigaki, and Okinawa, dozens of flights have been canceled. The Philippines’ coast guard enforced restrictions on ships and ferries in northern areas due to roughening waters. Additionally, the airport in Basco, Batanes provincial capital, was closed, and local flights were canceled for safety reasons. In Cagayan province, nearly 200 individuals were relocated to safer locations, with classes suspended in the island town of Calayan.
Typhoon Champi had previously affected several Pacific islands, including Guam, where a federal disaster area was declared.
