Typhoon Champi forces 931 flight cancellations and mass evacuations in Taiwan

Taiwan grounded all 931 commercial flights on Friday as Typhoon Champi moved past the island's northeastern tip. The Transport Ministry confirmed the cancellation of 262 domestic and 669 international services. High-speed rail lines along the western coast continued operating normally.

The storm has lost intensity since reaching its peak earlier this week. Maximum sustained winds now measure 155 kilometres per hour, down from a high of 298 kilometres per hour. Forecasts indicate the storm's center will remain offshore before turning north toward Japan's southwestern islands.

One person died on Thursday in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast. The fire department reported that waves swept the individual away. Ninety-four others sustained injuries across the region. Government officials stated that more than 2,600 people have been evacuated from vulnerable mountainous areas.

The Central Weather Administration advised residents in coastal zones to limit outdoor activity and avoid driving. Authorities specifically warned citizens to watch for falling objects. Schools and offices closed for the day to ensure safety.

Champi spans a radius of approximately 320 kilometres, covering most of the island. Despite this scale, transportation in Taipei remained largely functional. The subway system stayed open, and the capital experienced only light showers and gusty winds. Experts project the storm's primary impact on Taiwan will continue through Saturday.

The system is expected to reach Japan's southern mainland on Monday. In southwestern Japan, the typhoon has already caused one injury and disrupted power. A woman in her 70s suffered a broken leg on Miyako island due to strong winds. Nearly 2,000 homes on Ishigaki island lost electricity, and dozens of flights to the area were cancelled.

The northern Philippines also faced disruptions on Friday. The coast guard prohibited ships and ferries from sailing in rough waters off several northern towns. Aviation officials closed the main domestic airport in Basco, the capital of Batanes province, and cancelled two local flights. Workers boarded up airport windows as a precaution. In Cagayan province, nearly 200 residents moved to safer locations, with almost 100 entering government emergency shelters. Classes were suspended in the island town of Calayan.