The key facts

  • 262 domestic and 717 international flights cancelled; Taiwan's financial markets did not operate on Friday
  • 1 dead, 163 injured, 2,639 evacuated, more than 77 thousand households remained without electricity
  • Wind near the typhoon's center reached 191 km/h; up to a metre of rainfall expected in northern mountainous areas

Typhoon Champi disrupts life in Taiwan

Due to the approach of Typhoon Champi, activity has been suspended across most of Taiwan, where strong winds and torrential rains are being observed. According to Reuters, 262 domestic and 717 international flights have been cancelled — about a thousand in total. According to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, wind speed near the typhoon's center reached 191 kilometres per hour; the center itself was located approximately 170 kilometres east of the island.

Casualties and evacuation

As a result of the natural disaster, one person has died and 163 were injured. The government evacuated 2,639 people from mountainous areas. More than 77 thousand households were left without electricity, although power was subsequently restored in most of them.

Meteorologists' forecasts

The typhoon's wind impact zone spans about 320 kilometres, and its effects may last about two days. In the northern mountainous areas of Taiwan, including the vicinity of the capital Taipei, up to one metre of rainfall is expected. According to forecasts, on Friday evening the typhoon will pass near Taiwan's northeastern coast, head toward the coast of China, and then reach southern Japan, first passing near Yonaguni Island in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture.

Government measures and transport operations

Local authorities distributed sandbags in dangerous areas and put rescue equipment on standby. Residents of some coastal areas have been warned of possible wind intensification above 150 kilometres per hour. Taiwan's financial markets suspended operations on Friday. The high-speed railway connecting the north and south of the country operated as usual, while the metro and other public transport in Taipei ran on a reduced schedule.

TSMC: operations unaffected

TSMC, the world's largest contract microchip manufacturer, reported that the typhoon did not seriously affect its operations and that work processes continue as usual.