One Dead, 94 Injured as Typhoon Champi Halts 931 Flights

Taiwan suspended 931 flights on Friday as Typhoon Champi moved past the island's northeastern coast. The Transport Ministry canceled all 262 domestic routes and 669 international departures. High-speed rail lines along the western coast continued to operate without interruption.

The storm had reached peak sustained winds of 298 kilometres per hour earlier in the week. By Friday, its speed had dropped to 155 kilometres per hour. The central weather office noted the storm's radius spans roughly 320 kilometres, a width that covers most of the island. Forecasts indicate the system will turn north toward Japan's southwestern islands.

One person died on Thursday in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast. The fire department reported the individual was swept away by waves. Ninety-four others sustained injuries from the storm. Local authorities evacuated more than 2,600 people from vulnerable mountainous areas.

In Taipei, subway services remained open despite the weather. The capital experienced only light showers and gusty winds. The Central Weather Administration advised coastal residents to avoid outdoor activities and driving. Officials specifically warned people to watch for falling objects.

The storm also disrupted operations in southwestern Japan. A woman in her 70s broke a leg on Miyako island after strong winds struck. Nearly 2,000 homes in Ishigaki island lost power. Dozens of flights to and from Miyako, Ishigaki, and Okinawa were canceled.

In the northern Philippines, the coast guard barred ships and ferries from sailing in rough waters. Aviation officials closed the main domestic airport in Basco, the capital of Batanes province. Two local flights were canceled, and workers boarded up airport windows as a precaution. In Cagayan province, nearly 200 people moved to safer ground, including almost 100 who entered government-run emergency shelters.