Typhoon Champi Hits Taiwan, Killing One and Injuring More Than 500

Typhoon Champi swept past Taiwan on Saturday, killing one person and injuring more than 500 others, while downing trees and disrupting power supplies. The storm is continuing to weaken as it moves north toward the Chinese coast.

Champi, which was briefly classified as a super typhoon and ranked among the strongest storms in the Pacific this year, was still producing gusts of around 126 kph (78 mph) near its centre, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA).

The storm was located about 150 km (93 miles) east of Taiwan after skirting the island’s northeastern coast in the early hours of Saturday, the CWA said.

Forecasts showed Champi turning north toward the Chinese coast before eventually moving toward southern Japan.

Taiwan’s fire department confirmed one fatality, a man who was swept away by waves near the island of Liuqiu. A total of 527 people were injured amid strong winds and torrential rain.

State-owned utility Taipower said more than 167,000 households had lost electricity at the height of the storm, although power had been restored to most of them.

The transport ministry reported 242 flight cancellations, a significant improvement from Friday, when nearly 1,000 flights were canceled.

In the capital, Taipei, fallen trees and intermittent squally rain showers were reported.

Authorities across parts of northern and central Taiwan, including Taipei, ordered offices and schools to remain closed for a second consecutive day on Saturday.

Taiwan is generally well prepared for typhoons, helping to keep casualties relatively low. Although such storms are more common during the summer, they can also strike the island in autumn.