Typhoon Champi: Taiwan Closes Schools and Offices Across 20 Areas, Hundreds of Flights Cancelled

With wind speeds forecast to reach 170 kmph, authorities have introduced precautionary measures, while hundreds of flights in Taiwan and neighbouring Japan have been cancelled, disrupting travel for thousands of passengers.

Local administrations announced closures for Friday across several regions, including Keelung, Greater Taipei and Taoyuan. In southern Taiwan, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung also suspended classes and work. Authorities in eastern Taiwan and the outlying islands, including Yilan, Hualien, Penghu and Lienchiang, announced similar measures.

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued a land warning for Typhoon Champi at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 22. The storm was forecast to come closest to Taiwan between Friday morning and evening, with its circulation expected to continue affecting the island until Saturday evening.

Heavy rainfall has already affected parts of the island. Some locations in Taipei City recorded more than 200 millimetres of rain within 24 hours, raising concerns about flooding and other weather-related hazards.

Authorities have urged residents to avoid beaches and mountainous areas as the storm approaches and have advised travellers to check with airlines for updates on flight schedules and cancellations.

Taiwan has cancelled more than 100 flights ahead of the typhoon's expected passage near its northeastern coast. The storm is forecast to weaken gradually as it moves away.

The disruption has also spread to Japan, where more than 160 flights across four airlines have reportedly been cancelled.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced that flights departing from and arriving at Miyako Airport and Ishigaki Airport in Okinawa Prefecture would be cancelled throughout Friday.

Japan Airlines (JAL) also announced cancellations affecting services to Taipei Songshan Airport and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

The cancellations have disrupted travel between Taiwan and Japan, as well as services connecting southern Okinawa's islands with other destinations.

Authorities continue to monitor the typhoon's movement and have urged residents and travellers to follow official weather advisories and airline announcements as conditions develop.