Champi weakens, cancels 931 flights
The typhoon killed one person in Taiwan, injured 94, and forced thousands to evacuate as it passed close to the island.
By Abigail Brooks ·
Typhoon Champi weakened to 155 kilometres per hour on Friday as it passed close to Taiwan, prompting the cancellation of 931 flights and the closure of schools and offices.
The storm had reached peak winds of 298 kilometres per hour earlier in the week. Forecasts indicate the system will remain offshore as it moves past the northeastern tip of Taiwan before turning north toward southwestern Japan.
Taiwan's fire department reported one death on Thursday. A person was swept away by waves in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast. Ninety-four others were injured. Government officials stated that more than 2,600 people were evacuated from vulnerable mountainous areas.
The Central Weather Administration advised residents in coastal regions to avoid outdoor activities and driving. Officials warned people to watch for falling objects. The Transport Ministry confirmed the cancellation of all 262 domestic flights and 669 international flights. High-speed rail services on the western coast continued to operate normally.
Despite the storm's 320-kilometre radius covering most of the island, transport in Taipei remained open. The subway continued to run, and the capital experienced only light showers and gusty winds. Experts expect the storm's greatest impact on Taiwan to last through Saturday.
In southwestern Japan, the typhoon injured one person and cut power to nearly 2,000 homes on Ishigaki island. A woman in her 70s broke a leg in strong winds on Miyako island. Dozens of flights to and from Miyako, Ishigaki, and Okinawa were cancelled.
In the northern Philippines, coast guard officials barred ships and ferries from sailing in rough waters. The main domestic airport in Basco, the capital of Batanes province, closed and cancelled two local flights. Provincial authorities suspended classes in the island town of Calayan. Nearly 200 people moved to safer ground, including almost 100 who entered government-run emergency shelters.
