Typhoon Champi passed through Taiwan, resulting in 1 death and 527 injuries after strong gusts struck coastal areas. Trees were uprooted and widespread power outages occurred. Authorities ordered schools to remain closed for a second day before the storm moved north toward China's coast.
On Saturday, 24 October, Typhoon Champi swept through Taiwan, causing 1 death and 527 injuries due to strong winds and heavy rain. Trees were uprooted, power lines damaged, and many homes affected. The storm has been weakening steadily as it moves north toward China's coast, with no expected direct landfall there.
The Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan (CWA) reported that although Typhoon Champi had intensified into a super typhoon and was among the strongest Pacific storms this year, it is now weakening, with wind gusts near the storm center around 126 kilometers per hour.
The storm's center was located about 150 kilometers east of Taiwan after moving near the northeastern coast around Yilan County in the early hours of Saturday. It then shifted southward near midnight, tracing a rare looping path along Yilan’s coast before turning north and moving away from Taiwan.
However, the storm caused some coastal areas to experience wind gusts up to 227 kilometers per hour, resulting in fallen power lines and roof tiles being blown away.
Taiwan’s fire department reported the fatality was a man swept away by waves from Xiao Liuqiu Island. The number of injured reached 527 due to strong winds and heavy rain.
Taiwan Power Company stated that over 288,000 homes lost electricity at the storm’s peak, though most power has since been restored. The Ministry of Transportation reported 242 flight cancellations, down from nearly 1,000 cancellations on Friday.
In Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, fallen trees and intermittent heavy rain were reported. Northern and central parts of the island, including Taipei, extended office and school closures for a second day to ensure public safety.
Although Taiwan has a robust typhoon preparedness system, the storm still caused significant damage. Typhoons typically occur in summer but can also hit during autumn.
Meanwhile, China's Emergency Management Ministry deployed teams to eastern Zhejiang province to prepare for strong winds and heavy rain expected through Sunday. They readied 400 rescue personnel, 600 sets of rescue equipment, and over 41,000 firefighters for emergency response.
Chinese state media reported that Taizhou city in Zhejiang ordered more than 3,800 fishing boats to return to port, evacuated 2,084 tourists from islands, and brought offshore fish farm workers to shore. Additionally, authorities suspended 25 offshore construction projects and halted 18 ferry routes to prevent storm-related hazards.
. Source:channelnewsasia
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