Taiwan Cuts 931 Flights as Storm Passes

Taiwan grounded 931 flights on Friday as Typhoon Champi moved past the island, causing the Transport Ministry to halt all scheduled air travel.

The Transport Ministry announced the cancellation of all 262 domestic flights and 669 international flights. High-speed rail services along the western coast continued operating without interruption. Taipei's subway system remained open, and the capital experienced only light showers and gusty winds despite the storm's proximity.

Typhoon Champi weakened to sustained winds of 155 kilometres per hour as it approached from the southeast. The system previously recorded maximum winds of 298 kilometres per hour earlier in the week. Forecasts indicate the storm's centre will stay offshore as it passes the northeastern tip of Taiwan before turning north toward Japan's southwestern islands.

The storm's radius of approximately 320 kilometres covers most of the island. One person died on Thursday after being swept away by waves in Liuqiu, an island off the southeastern coast, according to the fire department. Ninety-four others sustained injuries. The government reported that more than 2,600 people were evacuated from mountainous areas. The Central Weather Administration advised coastal residents to avoid driving and outdoor activities to prevent injury from falling objects.

Typhoon Champi is expected to impact Taiwan through Saturday. The system is forecast to reach Japan's southern mainland on Monday. In southwestern Japan, the storm has already injured one person, disrupted flights, and cut power to nearly 2,000 homes on Ishigaki island. A woman in her 70s broke a leg on Miyako island. The Philippines coast guard barred ships and ferries from sailing in rough waters off northern towns, and the main airport in Basco closed two local flights.