Taiwan Grounds Flights as Storm Weakens

Typhoon Champi forced the closure of schools and offices across Taiwan on Friday, grounding every domestic and international flight as the system passed close to the island's northeastern tip. The storm had reached peak sustained winds of 298 kilometres per hour earlier in the week. It has since slowed to 155 kilometres per hour while approaching from the southeast.

The Transport Ministry confirmed the cancellation of all 262 domestic flights and 669 international flights. High-speed rail services along the western coast continued operating without interruption. In Taipei, the capital, the subway remained open, and residents reported only light showers and gusty winds despite the storm's wide reach.

One person died on Thursday after waves swept them away in Liuqiu, a small island off the southeastern coast. The fire department reported that 94 others were injured in storm-related incidents. The government stated that more than 2,600 people were evacuated from vulnerable mountainous regions.

The Central Weather Administration urged coastal residents to avoid driving and outdoor activities due to falling objects. The storm's radius measures approximately 320 kilometres, a span wide enough to cover most of the island. Forecasters expect the heaviest impact to persist through Saturday before the system turns north toward Japan's southwestern islands on Monday.

In southwestern Japan, the typhoon has caused one injury and power outages. A woman in her 70s broke her leg in strong winds on Miyako island. Nearly 2,000 homes on Ishigaki island lost electricity, and dozens of flights to and from nearby islands were cancelled.

The northern Philippines also felt the storm's effects. The coast guard 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. Officials boarded up windows at the airport as a precaution.

In Cagayan province, nearly 200 people moved to safer ground. Almost 100 of them took refuge in government-run emergency shelters. Provincial officials suspended classes at all levels in the island town of Calayan. Earlier in the month, Champi passed over Guam, prompting a federal disaster declaration.