Taiwan Closes Schools and Offices as Typhoon Champi Weakens to 155 km/h

Taiwan shut down schools and government offices on Friday as Typhoon Champi approached from the southeast. The storm had weakened to sustained winds of 155 kilometres per hour by the time it neared the island. This was down from a peak of 298 kilometres per hour earlier in the week.

The disruption followed a rapid escalation of weather risks. On Thursday, waves in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast, swept away and killed one person. The fire department reported that 94 others were injured during the event. Government officials ordered evacuations for more than 2,600 residents in vulnerable mountainous zones.

The Transport Ministry confirmed that all 262 domestic flights and 669 international flights were cancelled. While high-speed rail on the western coast continued operating, the Central Weather Administration advised coastal residents to avoid driving and outdoor activities. The agency warned citizens to watch for falling objects as strong winds moved through the region.

The storm’s radius measures approximately 320 kilometres, a span wide enough to cover most of the island. Despite this width, the capital Taipei experienced only light showers and gusty winds. Transit services, including the subway, remained open in the city.

Forecasts indicate the storm’s centre will stay offshore as it passes the northeastern tip of Taiwan. The system is expected to turn north toward Japan’s southwestern islands. Experts project the greatest impact on Taiwan will last through Saturday. The storm is scheduled to reach Japan’s southern mainland on Monday.

In southwestern Japan, the typhoon has already 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, according to the Okinawa prefecture government. Dozens of flights to and from these islands have been cancelled.

The northern Philippines also faced disruptions. Coast guard officials 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 its operations and cancelled two local flights. Workers boarded up windows at the airport as a precaution. In Cagayan province, nearly 200 people moved to safer ground, with almost 100 taking shelter in government-run emergency facilities. Classes were suspended in the island town of Calayan.