Typhoon Champi Grounds 931 Flights and Evacuates 2,600 as It Weakened Offshore

The Transport Ministry of Taiwan cancelled 931 flights on Friday, grounding all 262 domestic and 669 international departures as Typhoon Champi moved past the island. The agency made the decision even though high-speed rail services along the western coast continued to operate without interruption. Taipei's subway system also remained open, serving a capital that experienced only light showers and gusty winds despite the storm's proximity.

The storm had reached maximum sustained winds of 298 kilometers per hour earlier in the week. By Friday, its speed had dropped to 155 kilometers per hour. The Central Weather Administration forecast that the typhoon's center would stay offshore as it passed the northeastern tip of Taiwan before turning north toward Japan's southwestern islands. The system has a radius of approximately 320 kilometers, a span wide enough to cover the majority of the island's territory.

One person died on Thursday after waves swept them away in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast. The fire department confirmed the fatality. Ninety-four other individuals were injured by the storm. Government officials stated that more than 2,600 residents had been evacuated from vulnerable mountainous areas to ensure their safety.

The Central Weather Administration advised coastal residents to avoid outdoor activities and driving. Officials told the public to watch for falling objects as the system approached. Experts indicated that the storm's most severe impact on Taiwan would persist through Saturday. The system is projected to reach Japan's southern mainland by Monday.

In southwestern Japan, the typhoon disrupted flights and cut power to nearly 2,000 homes on Ishigaki island. The Okinawa prefecture government reported that a woman in her 70s broke a leg on Miyako island due to strong winds. Dozens of flights involving Miyako, Ishigaki, and Okinawa were cancelled.

The northern Philippines also faced disruption. The coast guard barred 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 windows at the airport as a precaution. In Cagayan province, nearly 200 people moved to safer ground, with almost 100 entering government-run emergency shelters. Provincial officials suspended classes in the island town of Calayan.

Champi passed over several Pacific islands, including Guam, earlier this month. A federal disaster area was declared for the territory following that passage.