931 Flights Cancelled as Typhoon Champi Weakens
The storm, which peaked at 298 km/h, has slowed to 155 km/h after passing near Taiwan, where 2,600 people were evacuated.
By Victoria Singh ·
931 flights were grounded across Taiwan on Friday as Typhoon Champi moved past the island. The transport ministry confirmed the cancellation of all 262 domestic and 669 international services. High-speed rail lines along the western coast continued operating without interruption.
The storm reached peak sustained winds of 298 kilometres per hour earlier in the week. It has since slowed to 155 kilometres per hour as it approaches from the southeast. Forecasters predict the storm's centre will remain offshore while passing the northeastern tip before turning north toward Japan's southwestern islands.
One person died in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast, after being swept away by waves on Thursday. The fire department reported the death. Ninety-four others were injured in the storm. Authorities evacuated more than 2,600 people from mountainous areas deemed vulnerable to landslides and flooding.
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration advised residents in coastal zones to avoid outdoor activities and driving. Officials warned people to watch for falling objects due to the strong gusts. Despite the storm's 320-kilometre radius covering most of the island, the Taipei subway remained open. The capital experienced only light showers and windy conditions.
In southwestern Japan, the typhoon injured one person and cut power to nearly 2,000 homes in Ishigaki island. A woman in her 70s broke a leg in the strong wind on Miyako island. Dozens of flights to and from Miyako, Ishigaki, and Okinawa were cancelled. The Okinawa prefecture government provided these details.
The northern Philippines also faced disruptions. Coast guard officials 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 its gates 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. Almost 100 of them went to government-run emergency shelters. Provincial officials suspended classes at all levels in the island town of Calayan. Earlier this month, the storm passed over several Pacific islands, including Guam, where a federal disaster area was declared.
Source: CBC News
