Taiwan shuts 931 flights as Typhoon Champi weakens

Typhoon Champi passed near Taiwan on Friday, prompting authorities to ground all air traffic and close schools and offices across the island.

The storm, which reached peak winds of 298 kilometres per hour earlier in the week, weakened to 155 kilometres per hour as it approached from the southeast. Forecasters indicated the storm's centre remained offshore while it moved past the northeastern tip of the island before turning north toward Japan's southwestern islands.

The Transport Ministry cancelled 262 domestic flights and 669 international flights, totaling 931 cancellations. High-speed rail services on the western coast continued to operate normally. In Taipei, subway lines remained open, and residents reported only light showers and gusty winds.

One person died on Thursday after being swept away by waves in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast, according to the fire department. Ninety-four others were injured during the storm. The government reported that more than 2,600 people were evacuated from vulnerable mountainous areas. The Central Weather Administration advised residents in coastal zones to avoid driving and stay away from outdoor activities to prevent injuries from falling objects.

In Japan, the typhoon injured one person and disrupted travel in the southwest. A woman in her 70s broke her leg in strong winds on Miyako island. Nearly 2,000 homes on Ishigaki island lost power. 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. The main domestic airport in Basco, the capital of Batanes province, closed and cancelled two local flights. Aviation officials boarded up windows at the airport as a precaution. In Cagayan province, nearly 200 people moved to safer ground, including almost 100 who went to government-run emergency shelters. Classes were suspended in the island town of Calayan.

Experts expect the storm's greatest impact on Taiwan to last through Saturday. The system is scheduled 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.