Taiwan shuts 931 flights as weakening Typhoon Champi moves offshore

Taiwan halted all air travel on Friday, cancelling 262 domestic and 669 international flights as Typhoon Champi passed close to the island. Schools and government offices remained closed throughout the day. High-speed rail services on the western coast continued operating normally.

The storm reached peak winds of 298 kilometres per hour earlier this week. It weakened to 155 kilometres per hour by the time it approached Taiwan from the southeast. Forecasts indicate the centre will stay offshore as it moves past the northeastern tip before turning north toward Japan.

One person died on Thursday after waves swept them away in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast. The fire department reported that 94 others were injured. The government stated that more than 2,600 people were evacuated from vulnerable mountainous regions.

The Central Weather Administration advised residents in coastal areas to avoid outdoor activities and driving. Authorities warned the public to watch for falling objects. Despite the storm's 320-kilometre radius covering most of the island, Taipei's subway system remained open. The capital experienced only light showers and gusty winds.

In southwestern Japan, the typhoon caused one injury and disrupted flights. The Okinawa prefecture government reported that a woman in her 70s broke a leg 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. The main domestic airport in Basco, the capital of Batanes province, closed and cancelled two local flights. 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. Earlier in the month, Champi passed over Guam, where a federal disaster area was declared.