Taiwan Halts 931 Flights: Storm Weakens but Evacuations Continue

Typhoon Champi, which peaked at 298 kilometres per hour earlier in the week, has slowed to 155 kilometres per hour as it approaches Taiwan from the southeast. Despite this reduction in intensity, the storm's wide radius of 320 kilometres covers most of the island, prompting widespread suspensions of daily activity on Friday.

Taiwan's Transport Ministry cancelled all 262 domestic flights and 669 international flights. In contrast, high-speed rail services along the western coast continued to operate. In Taipei, the subway remained open, and the capital experienced only light showers and gusty winds rather than the severe conditions elsewhere.

The fire department reported that one person died on Thursday after being swept away by waves in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast. Ninety-four others were injured in the storm. The government stated that more than 2,600 people were evacuated from vulnerable mountainous areas to ensure their safety.

Schools and offices across the island closed for the day. The Central Weather Administration advised residents in coastal areas to avoid outdoor activities and driving, warning of falling objects. Forecasts indicate the storm's centre will remain offshore as it passes the northeastern tip before turning north.

In southwestern Japan, the typhoon has already caused disruption. A woman in her 70s broke a leg in strong winds on Miyako island, according to the Okinawa prefecture government. Nearly 2,000 homes lost electricity on Ishigaki island, and dozens of flights to and from Miyako, Ishigaki, and Okinawa were cancelled.

The northern Philippines also felt the storm's effects. The coast guard banned ships and ferries from sailing in rough waters off several northern towns. The main domestic airport in Basco, the capital of Batanes province, closed and cancelled two local flights, with windows boarded up as a precaution.

In Cagayan province, nearly 200 people moved to safer ground, including almost 100 who relocated to government-run emergency shelters. Provincial officials suspended classes at all levels in the island town of Calayan due to the weather. Experts expect the storm's greatest impact on Taiwan to last through Saturday, with the system reaching Japan's southern mainland on Monday.