Typhoon Champi kills one and grounds 931 flights in Taiwan

Typhoon Champi killed one person in Taiwan and forced the cancellation of 931 flights on Friday as the storm passed close to the island. The fatality occurred in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast, where the victim was swept away by waves. The fire department confirmed the death on Thursday.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 298 kilometres per hour earlier in the week. It weakened to 155 kilometres per hour while approaching from the southeast. Forecasts indicate the centre will remain offshore as it moves past the northeastern tip and turns north toward Japan.

Taiwan's government evacuated more than 2,600 people from vulnerable mountainous areas. Ninety-four others were injured by the storm. Schools and offices closed across the island. The Central Weather Administration urged coastal residents to avoid outdoor activities and driving while watching for falling objects.

The Transport Ministry cancelled all 262 domestic flights and 669 international flights. High-speed rail services along the western coast continued to run. In Taipei, the subway remained open, and the city experienced only light showers and gusty winds. Experts expect the storm's greatest impact on Taiwan to last through Saturday.

The storm has a radius of approximately 320 kilometres, covering most of Taiwan. It is expected to reach Japan's southern mainland on Monday. In southwestern Japan, the typhoon injured one person, disrupted flights, and cut power. A woman in her 70s broke a leg on Miyako island due to strong winds. Nearly 2,000 homes on Ishigaki island lost electricity. Dozens of flights to and from Miyako, Ishigaki, and Okinawa were cancelled.

The northern Philippines also faced disruptions. The coast guard barred ships and ferries from sailing in rough waters off several northern towns. The main domestic airport in Basco, the capital of Batanes province, closed. Two local flights were cancelled, and officials boarded up airport windows as a precaution.

In Cagayan province, nearly 200 people moved to safer ground. Almost 100 residents went to government-run emergency shelters. Provincial officials suspended classes in the island town of Calayan. Earlier this month, Champi passed over several Pacific islands, including Guam, where a federal disaster area was declared.