Taiwan came to a near standstill on Friday, October 23, as Typhoon Champi approached the island with powerful winds, heavy rainfall and dangerous coastal waves. Schools, government offices and financial markets closed across almost the entire island. Only the Kinmen islands, located near China’s coast, continued normal operations. Authorities reported one death and 171 injuries as the storm disrupted transport, damaged power lines and forced thousands of residents to evacuate.
Powerful Winds Threaten Taiwan’s Coast
Typhoon Champi was previously classified as a super typhoon, making it one of the strongest Pacific storms of 2026. Although the storm weakened while approaching Taiwan, it remained dangerous. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) recorded wind gusts reaching approximately 191 kilometres per hour near the storm’s centre. On Friday, Champi was located around 220 kilometres east of Taiwan. The storm had a radius of approximately 320 kilometres, meaning its winds and rain could affect most of the island. Forecasters expected Champi to move along Taiwan’s northeastern coast before turning north towards China and southern Japan.
Typhoon Champi Unleashes Powerful Waves at Ishigaki Harbor in Japan
However, a direct landfall remained possible. Forecaster Liu Pei-teng warned that the storm could slow down, change direction or briefly stall near Taiwan. Such movement could expose coastal communities to strong winds and rainfall for longer.
Powerful Typhoon Waves Slam Into Seawall at Taiwan’s Fugang Fishery Harbor
One Killed and Thousands Evacuated
Authorities confirmed that one person died after being swept away by powerful waves on Liuqiu Island, near Kaohsiung. Another 171 people were injured, mainly in road accidents and incidents involving falling trees or flying debris. Emergency officials evacuated 2,639 residents from mountainous and other vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) reported electricity outages affecting more than 77,000 households. Crews restored power to most affected homes, although repair work continued in some locations. Authorities also sent emergency alerts to coastal communities warning of wind gusts exceeding 150 kilometres per hour.
Heavy Rain Raises Flooding Concerns
Taiwan’s northern mountains could receive nearly one metre of rainfall as Champi moves past the island. The northeastern region, including Yilan, faces some of the highest flooding risks. Local officials distributed sandbags and prepared rescue boats and amphibious vehicles.
In Suao, local official Lee Ming-chen said military personnel were ready to assist if conditions worsened. The port town has experienced serious flooding during previous typhoons. Meanwhile, 18-year-old construction worker Liu Yu-en in Keelung said flooding worried him more than the strong winds. Authorities warned residents to avoid coastal areas, rivers and mountain roads during the storm.
More Than 900 Flights Cancelled
Typhoon Champi also caused major travel disruptions. According to the latest figures, airlines cancelled all 262 domestic flights in Taiwan. Another 669 international flights were cancelled, bringing the total to 931.
EVA Air Crew Braves Typhoon Champi to Land in Taipei Amid 977 Flight Cancellations Across Taiwan
However, Taiwan’s high-speed railway continued operating.Taipei’s subway system also remained open, although services were reduced because of the weather. The widespread closures left normally busy streets quiet as residents stayed indoors.
Japan Prepares for Typhoon Champi
After passing Taiwan, Champi is expected to move towards Japan’s southern islands. Forecasters warned that Yonaguni, Japan’s westernmost inhabited island, could experience particularly severe conditions. In Okinawa, nearly 8,400 households lost electricity as the storm approached. Airlines also cancelled more than 160 flights. Japan’s weather agency warned that waves could reach approximately 40 feet, creating dangerous conditions for coastal communities and vessels.
Storm Conditions Expected to Improve Over Weekend
Taiwan’s weather authorities expect Champi’s effects to gradually weaken between Saturday and Sunday.
However, heavy rainfall, flooding and strong winds could continue before the storm moves away. Emergency teams remain on alert, particularly in mountainous and coastal areas. Although Taiwan has extensive typhoon preparation systems, the storm has already caused casualties, power outages and widespread disruption.
Authorities continue urging residents to follow weather warnings and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
