Typhoon Champi Halts 931 Flights and Forces Evacuations Across Asia

Residents in Taiwan and parts of southern Japan faced widespread travel disruptions on Friday as Typhoon Champi moved through the region. The storm forced the cancellation of 931 flights and prompted the evacuation of over 2,600 people from high-risk zones. Schools and government offices closed to protect the public from strong winds and heavy rain.

The transport sector bore the immediate brunt of the weather event. Taiwan's Transport Ministry confirmed that all 262 domestic flights and 669 international flights were cancelled. Despite the scale of the cancellation, high-speed rail services along the western coast continued to operate without interruption. In the capital, Taipei, subway services remained open, and the city experienced only light showers and gusty winds.

The human toll is mounting as the storm progresses. The fire department reported that one person died on Thursday in Liuqiu, a small island off Taiwan's southeastern coast, after being swept away by waves. In total, 94 people have been injured in the storm. The government stated that more than 2,600 individuals have been moved from vulnerable mountainous areas to safety.

Meteorological data shows the storm has weakened but remains dangerous. Champi reached maximum sustained winds of 298 kilometres per hour earlier in the week. It has since slowed to 155 kilometres per hour as it approaches Taiwan from the southeast. The storm's radius spans approximately 320 kilometres, a width sufficient to cover most of the island. The Central Weather Administration advised coastal residents to avoid outdoor activities and driving while watching for falling objects.

The impact extends beyond Taiwan into southwestern Japan. In Okinawa prefecture, a woman in her 70s suffered a broken leg after being caught in strong winds on Miyako island. On Ishigaki island, nearly 2,000 homes lost electricity. Aviation officials reported that dozens of flights to and from Miyako, Ishigaki, and Okinawa were cancelled due to the rough conditions.

The northern Philippines also felt the storm's effects. The coast guard prohibited ships and ferries from sailing off several northern towns and cities on Friday. The main domestic airport in Basco, the capital of Batanes province, closed its gates and cancelled two local flights. Staff boarded up the airport windows as a precautionary measure against flying debris.

In Cagayan province, nearly 200 people moved to safer locations. Almost 100 of them took shelter in government-run emergency facilities. Provincial officials suspended classes at all levels in the island town of Calayan. The storm is forecast to continue affecting Taiwan through Saturday, with the system expected to reach Japan's southern mainland on Monday.

Champi has already passed over several Pacific islands, including Guam, where a federal disaster area was declared earlier this month. The current track shows the storm's centre staying offshore as it moves past Taiwan's northeastern tip before turning north toward Japan.