Typhoon Champi in Taiwan: 527 Injured, One Dead

TAIWAN — Typhoon Champi has swept past Taiwan, killing one person and injuring 527 others as powerful winds and torrential rain battered the island. The storm, which had previously reached super typhoon strength, weakened after passing close to Taiwan’s northeastern coast but continued to bring hazardous weather conditions.

Taiwan’s fire department confirmed that the fatality occurred on Liuqiu Island, where a man was swept away by powerful waves. Across the island, falling trees, damaged structures, power disruptions and dangerous coastal conditions created difficulties for residents and emergency services.

Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration reported that Champi was approximately 150 kilometres east of the island on Saturday. Wind gusts near the storm’s centre were reaching around 126 kilometres per hour, while some coastal areas experienced much stronger gusts.

The typhoon generated enormous waves that crashed against seawalls and exposed coastal areas to dangerous conditions. Strong winds also uprooted trees, damaged roofs and power lines, and sent debris into streets.

In Taipei and other parts of northern Taiwan, residents faced fallen trees and intermittent heavy showers. Authorities urged people to remain cautious around coastlines and areas where strong winds could dislodge objects or cause further damage.

Although the storm’s centre remained offshore, its wide circulation brought significant disruption across the island. Officials continued assessing the damage as weather conditions gradually improved in some locations.

Typhoon Champi severely affected Taiwan’s transport network. Authorities reported 242 flight cancellations on Saturday, following almost 1,000 cancellations on Friday as the storm approached. The disruption affected travellers and airlines during one of the most intense periods of the storm.

Schools and offices remained closed for a second day across parts of northern and central Taiwan, including Taipei. The closures were intended to reduce risks from high winds, heavy rain and unsafe travel conditions.

Electricity supplies were also disrupted, with more than 167,000 households reported to have lost power at one point. Most affected homes had been reconnected by Saturday, although damaged infrastructure required continued repair work.

Before the storm’s arrival, more than 2,600 people had been evacuated from vulnerable mountainous areas as a precaution.

After passing near Taiwan, Champi turned north towards China’s eastern coastline. Forecasts indicated that the storm was expected to continue weakening and was not expected to make landfall on the Chinese coast, although strong winds and heavy rain remained a concern.

Authorities in China’s Zhejiang province prepared emergency personnel and equipment as the system approached. Fishing boats returned to harbour, some island visitors were evacuated, and offshore construction work and passenger ferry services were suspended as precautionary measures.

The storm’s projected path also pointed towards southern Japan, keeping regional weather agencies on alert.

While Typhoon Champi has lost much of its earlier strength, its effects remain visible in Taiwan through damaged infrastructure, transport delays and the injuries reported across the island.

Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and restore disrupted services. Residents are advised to follow official warnings, avoid dangerous coastal areas and stay away from damaged trees, power lines and unstable structures.

The storm highlights how powerful typhoons can cause serious disruption even without making direct landfall, particularly when strong winds and dangerous seas affect densely populated areas.