Taiwan Cuts 931 Flights as Typhoon Champi Weakens to 155 km/h
One death and 94 injuries reported in Taiwan and Japan as the storm system moves north toward the southwestern islands.
By Madison Darwish ·
Typhoon Champi moved past the northeastern coast of Taiwan on Friday, forcing the island to halt air traffic and close public institutions. The storm system weakened to 155 kilometres per hour as it passed offshore, down from a peak of 298 kilometres per hour earlier in the week.
The system first hit Guam and other Pacific islands earlier in October, prompting a federal disaster declaration there. It then moved toward Asia, sweeping through the northern Philippines and reaching the waters near Taiwan by Thursday.
Taiwan's fire department reported one person died in Liuqiu on Thursday after being swept away by waves. Ninety-four others sustained injuries in the storm. The government stated that more than 2,600 residents evacuated from mountainous areas to safer ground.
The Transport Ministry cancelled all 262 domestic flights and 669 international flights scheduled for Friday. Despite the widespread cancellations, high-speed rail services along the western coast operated normally. In Taipei, the subway remained open and the city experienced only light showers and gusty winds.
In Japan, the typhoon injured one person and disrupted travel in the southwest. A woman in her 70s broke a leg on Miyako island in strong winds. Nearly 2,000 homes on Ishigaki island lost power, and dozens of flights to and from the region were cancelled.
The Philippines Coast Guard barred ships and ferries from sailing in rough waters off northern towns on Friday. The main domestic airport in Basco, the capital of Batanes province, closed its doors and cancelled two local flights. Officials boarded up windows at the airport as a precaution.
In Cagayan province, nearly 200 people moved to safer locations, with almost 100 taking shelter in government-run emergency facilities. Classes were suspended at all levels in the island town of Calayan. The Central Weather Administration advised coastal residents to avoid outdoor activities and driving. The storm is expected to reach Japan's southern mainland on Monday.
Source: CBC News
