Typhoon Champi weakens to 155 km/h as Taiwan grounds 931 flights
One person died and 2,600 residents evacuated as the storm's 320-kilometer radius swept past the island's northeastern tip.
By David Almasi ·
Typhoon Champi weakened to sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour on Friday as it passed offshore from Taiwan, prompting authorities to ground 931 flights and close schools across the island.
The storm had earlier this week reached maximum sustained winds of 298 kilometers per hour. As it approached from the southeast, the Central Weather Administration tracked its path moving past the island's northeastern tip before turning north toward Japan.
The impact on transportation was immediate. The Transport Ministry cancelled all 262 domestic flights and 669 international flights. High-speed rail services along the western coast continued to operate normally, and the Taipei subway remained open despite the storm's 320-kilometer radius covering most of the country.
One person died on Thursday when waves swept them away in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast, according to the fire department. Ninety-four others were injured. Government officials stated that more than 2,600 people were evacuated from vulnerable mountainous areas to safety.
In the capital, Taipei, residents experienced only light showers and gusty winds. The Central Weather Administration advised coastal residents to avoid outdoor activities and driving while watching for falling objects. Experts projected the storm's greatest impact on Taiwan would last through Saturday.
The system continued its path toward Japan's southwestern islands, where it injured one person and disrupted local services. In Okinawa prefecture, a woman in her 70s broke a leg on Miyako Island, and nearly 2,000 homes on Ishigaki Island lost power. Dozens of flights to and from these islands were cancelled.
In the northern Philippines, coast guard officials barred ships and ferries from sailing in rough waters off several northern towns. The main domestic airport in Basco, capital of Batanes province, closed and cancelled two local flights. Provincial officials suspended classes in Calayan, where nearly 200 people moved to emergency shelters.
