Taiwan has moved into emergency preparations as Typhoon Champi approaches, prompting widespread school and office closures, major transportation disruptions and evacuations as authorities brace for powerful winds, torrential rain and dangerous waves.
The storm, which previously reached super typhoon strength over the Pacific, has weakened but remains a serious threat. Officials have warned that its large circulation and potentially slow movement could prolong hazardous weather, particularly across northern and northeastern Taiwan.
According to reporting by Reuters, the Associated Press (AP) and Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA), the approaching typhoon has disrupted daily life across much of the island, with flight cancellations, suspended services and emergency preparations taking center stage.
Widespread shutdown as the storm approaches
Local governments across most of Taiwan announced the suspension of classes and work for Friday, October 23, as Champi moved closer to the island.
Focus Taiwan, which publishes reports from Taiwan’s Central News Agency, reported that closures covered much of the main island, along with the outlying Penghu and Matsu islands. Some areas, including Kinmen and most of Taitung County, were exceptions to the shutdown measures.
The closures reflect concerns that strong winds, heavy rainfall and hazardous coastal conditions could make ordinary travel and outdoor activities dangerous.
Authorities have also restricted access to selected recreational areas, national parks and tourist destinations as part of preparations for the storm.
Flights cancelled and transportation disrupted
Air travel and other transportation services have been significantly affected as Taiwan prepares for the typhoon’s closest approach.
Reuters reported that nearly 1,000 domestic and international flights had been cancelled amid the disruptions. AP also reported widespread flight cancellations, school closures and interruptions to normal business activity.
Railway services have faced restrictions as well. According to the Taipei Times, Taiwan Railway Corp. cancelled express trains on its western and eastern trunk lines for Friday and suspended selected local routes, while the high-speed rail system planned to maintain its regular schedule. Ferry services and flights connecting Taiwan with Japan’s Okinawa region were also affected.
Passengers are advised to check directly with their airlines, railway operators and ferry providers before travelling, since schedules may change as weather conditions develop.
Heavy rain and dangerous waves raise concerns
Although Champi has weakened from its earlier peak, officials remain concerned about the amount of rain it could bring.
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration warned of widespread showers and locally heavy to torrential rain, particularly in northern and northeastern areas and mountainous regions. Forecasts reported by the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse indicated that some mountainous areas could receive exceptionally high rainfall totals, raising the risk of flooding and other rain-related hazards.
Coastal communities are also facing dangerous sea conditions. AFP reported forecasts of waves exceeding six metres in some areas, posing risks to people near the shoreline and to maritime operations.
The concern is not limited to the typhoon’s strongest winds. Prolonged rainfall can saturate mountain slopes, overwhelm drainage systems and trigger flooding or landslides even when a storm’s wind strength begins to decline.
Why Champi could remain dangerous despite weakening
One of the major concerns is the possibility that the typhoon could slow down as it approaches Taiwan.
Taiwan’s weather authorities said the storm could move slowly or erratically under the influence of surrounding weather systems and the island’s terrain. Its centre was forecast to pass close to Taiwan, with the possibility of landfall not entirely ruled out in the earlier forecasts.
A slower-moving storm can extend the period of heavy rain and strong winds over affected communities. Even if the centre remains offshore, the storm’s broad circulation can still produce dangerous conditions across a large area.
Champi’s projected movement also places parts of the southwestern Japanese islands in its path, raising concerns about additional weather and transport disruptions beyond Taiwan.
Authorities prepare for emergencies as residents are urged to stay alert
Taiwanese authorities have been preparing emergency response resources and urging residents to take precautions, especially in areas vulnerable to flooding, landslides and coastal hazards.
Residents are advised to follow official weather bulletins, avoid beaches and exposed coastal areas, stay away from swollen rivers and unstable slopes, and prepare essential supplies in case of power interruptions or travel disruptions.
Travellers should also monitor official advisories before heading to airports, railway stations or ferry terminals.
The critical question now is how long Champi’s dangerous weather will persist. Even as the storm weakens, heavy rain, powerful gusts and rough seas may continue to threaten communities and disrupt transportation.
