931 flights cancelled as Typhoon Champi weakens to 155 km/h

The Transport Ministry in Taiwan confirmed the cancellation of 931 flights on Friday, comprising all 262 domestic routes and 669 international services. This total halt in air traffic occurred as Typhoon Champi passed close to the island, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. While the aviation sector shut down, ground transport maintained stability. High-speed rail services along the western coast ran on schedule, and the subway system in Taipei remained open to the public.

The storm system had reached peak intensity earlier in the week with maximum sustained winds of 298 kilometres per hour. By the time it approached from the southeast, its speed had dropped to 155 kilometres per hour. The Central Weather Administration noted that the storm's radius spans approximately 320 kilometres, a width sufficient to cover most of the island. Despite this scale, Taipei experienced only light showers and gusty winds. The administration advised coastal residents to avoid driving and stay clear of outdoor activities due to the risk of falling objects.

The human cost of the weather event is mounting. The fire department reported that one person died on Thursday after being swept away by waves in Liuqiu, a small island off Taiwan's southeastern coast. Ninety-four other individuals sustained injuries. The government stated that more than 2,600 people were evacuated from vulnerable mountainous areas. Forecasts indicate the storm's centre will remain offshore as it moves past the northeastern tip before turning north toward Japan's southwestern islands.

The typhoon has already impacted operations in southwestern Japan. In Okinawa prefecture, a woman in her 70s broke her leg on Miyako island due to strong winds. Nearly 2,000 homes on Ishigaki island lost electricity. Dozens of flights to and from Miyako, Ishigaki, and Okinawa were cancelled. Experts project the storm's greatest impact on Taiwan will continue through Saturday. The system is expected to reach Japan's southern mainland on Monday.

In the northern Philippines, the coast guard barred ships and ferries from sailing in rough waters off several towns. Aviation officials closed the main domestic airport in Basco, the capital of Batanes province, and cancelled two local flights. Staff boarded up airport windows as a precaution. In Cagayan province, nearly 200 people moved to safer ground, with almost 100 entering government-run emergency shelters. Provincial officials suspended classes at all levels in the island town of Calayan.

The storm's path has been active for weeks. Earlier in the month, Champi passed over several Pacific islands, including Guam, where a federal disaster area was declared. The current weather pattern continues to disrupt logistics and daily life across the western Pacific region.