Typhoon Champi Cancellations Hit 931 Flights Across Taiwan

The transport sector in Taiwan ceased operations on Friday as Typhoon Champi passed close to the island, resulting in the cancellation of 931 flights. The Transport Ministry reported that all 262 domestic routes and 669 international routes were suspended to ensure safety. High-speed rail services along the western coast continued to operate without interruption.

Champi formed in the Pacific earlier this month, passing over Guam where authorities declared a federal disaster area. The system reached peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 298 kilometres per hour. As the storm approached Taiwan from the southeast this week, its winds weakened to 155 kilometres per hour.

The storm's centre remained offshore as it moved past the northeastern tip of the island. Forecasts indicate the system will turn north, reaching Japan's southwestern islands on Monday. The Central Weather Administration noted that the storm has a radius of approximately 320 kilometres, a span wide enough to cover most of the island.

One person died on Thursday after waves swept them away in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast. The fire department confirmed the death, and the government reported that 94 others sustained injuries. Officials evacuated more than 2,600 people from vulnerable mountainous areas. Schools and offices across the region closed for the day.

In the capital, Taipei, the subway and other transport services remained open. The city experienced only light showers and gusty winds. The Central Weather Administration advised coastal residents to avoid outdoor activities and driving while watching for falling objects. Experts expect the storm's greatest impact on Taiwan to last through Saturday.

The typhoon also disrupted activity in southwestern Japan. A woman in her 70s broke a leg in strong winds on Miyako island. Nearly 2,000 homes lost electricity on Ishigaki island. Dozens of flights to and from Miyako, Ishigaki, and Okinawa were cancelled. In the northern Philippines, the coast guard barred ships and ferries from sailing in rough waters.

The main domestic airport in Basco, the capital of Batanes province, closed on Friday. Aviation officials cancelled two local flights and boarded up windows at the facility as a precaution. In Cagayan province, nearly 200 people moved to safer ground. Almost 100 of those residents went to government-run emergency shelters. Provincial officials suspended classes at all levels in the island town of Calayan.