Due to Typhoon Champi, institutions in Taiwan are temporarily suspending operations

Taiwan suspended much of its activity on Friday, October 23, as it braced for Typhoon Champi, one of the strongest storms to form in the Pacific Ocean this year. The storm was approaching the island’s northeastern coast, bringing torrential rain and gusts of up to 191 km/h.

Authorities canceled all 262 domestic flights and 669 international flights scheduled for the day. In total, 931 flights were suspended. Schools, public institutions, and financial markets were closed across almost all of Taiwan, while high-speed trains continued to operate and public transportation in Taipei was reduced.

The typhoon, which had previously reached super typhoon status, was located approximately 320 kilometers east of the island’s southern tip. The area affected by the winds extended across a similar radius, covering much of Taiwan. Meteorologists forecast nearly one meter of rainfall in the mountainous regions of the north and warned that the storm could affect the island for almost two days.

The government reported one death and 94 injuries, while nearly 1,300 people were evacuated as a precaution. Sandbags, inflatable boats, and amphibious vehicles were prepared in Yilan County. Meteorologists did not rule out Champi making a direct landfall in Taiwan if it slowed down or changed course. The storm was subsequently expected to move toward southern Japan.