In brief
Typhoon Champi disrupted travel and daily life across Taiwan, canceling hundreds of flights and closing 22 of 23 counties. Authorities reported a death from a massive wave, 171 injuries, and 1,000 evacuations. The storm, fueled by a strong El Niño, is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds across Eastern Asia for several days. Meteorologists warn of potential shifts as the typhoon skirts China’s coast before heading toward northern Japan.
Hundreds of flights across East Asia were called off on Friday after Typhoon Champi closed beaches and airfields, sweeping fans of powerful wind and rain across Taiwan’s coast.
The storm, rated as a Category 5 equivalent, battered schools and offices in 22 of the island’s 23 counties, turning the whole country into a "typhoon holiday" and forcing the Taipei Exchange to shut its doors.
Authorities confirmed that one person lost their life when a colossal wave slammed a pier, while 171 others were injured and roughly 1,000 residents were evacuated.
Meteorologists note that Champi is the latest storm fed by an unusually strong El Niño that has already produced Japan’s most active season in a decade, with forecasts foretelling heavy rain and wind streaks through Saturday.
The typhoon’s projected path is above China’s eastern coast before curving toward northern Japan, giving the region several days of wet, windy weather meeting and escaping without making landfall.
Residents across Taiwan and nearby islands were advised to stay away from coastlines and high ground while officials monitor Champi’s potential shifts.
