TAIPEI — Typhoon Champi left one person dead and 527 injured in Taiwan after bringing powerful winds and torrential rain that toppled trees, disrupted flights and caused widespread power outages as the storm moved north toward the Chinese coast.
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) said Champi had weakened after reaching super typhoon strength earlier in its development but continued to generate gusts of around 126 kilometers per hour near its center. The storm was about 150 kilometers east of Taiwan on Saturday after passing near the island’s northeastern coast in the early hours.
The storm’s forecast track showed it turning north toward China before eventually moving toward southern Japan.
FATALITY, INJURIES AND POWER OUTAGES
Taiwan’s fire department reported one fatality involving a man who was swept away by waves near Liuqiu Island. Authorities also recorded 527 injuries amid the storm’s strong winds and heavy rainfall.
State-run power provider Taipower said more than 167,000 households had lost electricity at one point, although most had been reconnected by Saturday.
In Taipei, fallen trees and intermittent squally showers were reported as the storm passed east of the island. Authorities declared a second consecutive day of office and school closures across parts of northern and central Taiwan, including the capital.
HUNDREDS OF FLIGHTS CANCELED
The transport ministry reported 242 flight cancellations on Saturday, fewer than the nearly 1,000 cancellations recorded on Friday as the storm approached.
Despite the disruptions, Taiwan’s preparedness for typhoons generally helps limit casualties. While these storms are more common during summer, they can also affect the island in autumn.
Taiwan regularly experiences typhoons that bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides. Authorities typically suspend classes and work, cancel transportation services and issue safety advisories when severe weather threatens populated areas.
Although Champi was weakening as it moved away from Taiwan, its remaining winds and projected path toward the Chinese coast and southern Japan meant weather conditions along its route remained a concern.