In brief
Typhoon Champi rolled up the northeastern coast of Taiwan, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights and a nationwide shutdown of schools and offices. The storm brought 90 cm of rain and gusts of up to 191 km/h. One person was killed by waves, 171 injured, and 1,000 residents evacuated. While it is unlikely to make landfall, officials warn that the storm could stall and hit the coast. The event marks another hoary chapter in a season dominated by Super El Niño‑boosted typhoons.
Hundreds of flights across the East Asia region were cancelled on Friday as powerful Typhoon Champi skirted Taiwan’s northeastern coast.
Authorities shut schools and offices, and the TSEC stock exchange went dark on Friday as the storm’s 90 cm (35‑inch) rainfall and high winds threatened the island. The government urged residents to avoid coasts and mountainous areas.
So far, one person has been killed after being swept away by waves, while 171 others have been injured and 1,000 residents were evacuated.
Although forecasters say the eye of the storm will likely pass without making landfall, they warn it could stall or deviate, potentially bringing the strongest force near Taiwan.
Champi is the latest in a string of intense typhoons fed by a super El Niño that has made this the most active season in recent years.
