Taiwan Shuts Down Ahead of Typhoon Champi, 669 International Flights Cancelled
Taiwan Shuts Down as Typhoon Champi Approaches, Hundreds of Flights Cancelled
Taiwan suspended most activities on Friday, October 23, as Typhoon Champi approached the island, bringing the threat of powerful winds and heavy rainfall. Although the storm had weakened from its earlier intensity, forecasters warned that it could still make direct landfall.
According to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, the typhoon was producing wind gusts of around 191 kilometres per hour near its centre. The storm was located approximately 320 kilometres east of Taiwan's southern tip.
Casualties and Evacuations Reported
Taiwanese authorities reported one death and 94 injuries as the storm approached. Nearly 1,300 people were evacuated from mountainous areas as a precaution.
Weather officials warned that the storm's movement could change, meaning a direct landfall could not be ruled out. If the typhoon slowed down or changed direction, strong winds and heavy rain could affect the island for a longer period.
Coastal communities received mobile phone alerts warning residents about dangerous wind gusts and urging them to seek shelter. Heavy rainfall was forecast for northern mountainous areas, including regions near Taipei.
Emergency Preparations Underway
Authorities in northeastern Yilan County distributed sandbags and placed amphibious vehicles and inflatable rescue boats on standby. Officials said military assistance could be used for evacuations and disaster relief if conditions worsened.
The storm's broad wind radius, estimated at around 320 kilometres, meant its effects could reach much of Taiwan. Weather experts warned that the impact could continue for nearly two days.
Hundreds of Flights Cancelled
The typhoon disrupted air travel across Taiwan. The transport ministry announced the cancellation of all 262 domestic flights and 669 international flights scheduled for Friday.
Taiwan's financial markets also closed for the day. Schools and offices on most of the island suspended normal operations, while the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands were expected to operate as usual.
The north-south high-speed rail service continued operating, while Taipei's public transport system, including the subway, remained available with reduced services.
Typhoon Expected to Move Towards Japan
Forecasts indicated that Champi could pass near northeastern Taiwan before turning towards China's coast and eventually moving in the direction of southern Japan. The storm was also expected to pass over Yonaguni, an inhabited island in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture.
Taiwan regularly prepares for typhoons, but officials continued monitoring Champi's path and urged residents to follow weather alerts and emergency instructions.
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