Transport Ministry halts 931 flights as Typhoon Champi weakens near Taiwan
The storm has slowed to 155 kilometers per hour, but officials have kept schools and offices closed while 2,600 residents remain in shelters.
By Petra Garnier ·
Typhoon Champi passed close to Taiwan on Friday, forcing the closure of all schools and offices across the island.
The storm made its initial landfall impact earlier this week with peak winds of 298 kilometers per hour. It has since weakened to 155 kilometers per hour while approaching from the southeast. Forecasts indicate the storm's center will stay offshore as it passes the northeastern tip of Taiwan before turning north toward Japan's southwestern islands.
One person died on Thursday after being swept away by waves in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast. The fire department reported that 94 others were injured in the storm. Government officials said more than 2,600 people have been evacuated from vulnerable mountainous areas. The Central Weather Administration urged residents in coastal areas to avoid outdoor activities and driving, warning of falling objects.
The Transport Ministry confirmed the cancellation of all 262 domestic flights and 669 international flights. High-speed rail services along the western coast continued to operate normally. In Taipei, subway service remained open and the city experienced only light showers and gusty winds. The storm has a radius of approximately 320 kilometers, a width sufficient to cover most of the island.
In southwestern Japan, the typhoon injured one person, disrupted flights, and cut power. The Okinawa prefecture government stated that a woman in her 70s broke a leg in strong winds on Miyako island. Nearly 2,000 homes on Ishigaki island lost electricity. Dozens of flights to and from Miyako, Ishigaki, and Okinawa were cancelled.
The storm also affected the northern Philippines. The coast guard barred ships and ferries from sailing in rough waters off several northern towns. Aviation officials said the main domestic airport in Basco, the capital of Batanes province, was closed and two local flights were cancelled. Windows at the airport were boarded up as a precaution. In Cagayan province, nearly 200 people moved to safer ground, including almost 100 who went to government-run emergency shelters. Provincial officials suspended classes at all levels in the island town of Calayan.
Experts expect the storm's greatest impact on Taiwan to last through Saturday. The system is expected to reach Japan's southern mainland on Monday. Earlier this month, Champi passed over several Pacific islands, including Guam, where a federal disaster area was declared.
Source: CBC News
