Typhoon Champi Triggers Island-Wide Shutdown in Taiwan

On Oct 23, 2026 Taiwan ordered the closure of most schools, government offices and businesses as Typhoon Champi brushed the island’s northeastern coast. The transport ministry cancelled all 262 scheduled domestic flights and between 660 and 717 international flights, grounding thousands of passengers. One person was killed after being swept into the sea, and injuries were reported between 94 and 171. Authorities evacuated roughly 1,300 residents from mountainous areas, while Taipower recorded power loss for more than 77,000 homes, most of which were later restored.

Taiwan shuts schools and grounds flights as Typhoon Champi brushes by

Champi reached super-typhoon intensity earlier in the week, with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (298 km/h) before weakening to about 96 mph (155 km/h) as it approached Taiwan. Meteorologists linked the storm’s strength to an unusually strong El Niño phase that has warmed Pacific waters and “turbo-charged” regional cyclones. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) noted that the storm’s wind-radius expanded to roughly 320 km, large enough to cover most of the island, and warned that the system could linger for up to two days.

France 24

• Wind: gusts of 191 km/h near the centre (CWA).

Times of South Africa

• Rainfall: up to one metre forecast for northern mountain areas, including the hills around Taipei (CWA).

The Straits Times

• Evacuations: about 1,300 people moved to higher ground.

France 24

• Casualties: 1 death; injuries reported between 94 and 171.

Typhoon Champi kills one in Taiwan as nearly 1,300 evacuated and 931 flights cancelled

CWA administrator Lu Kuo-chen told reporters the storm’s radius of about 320 km could keep strong winds over the island for nearly two days. The transport ministry confirmed the cancellation of all domestic flights and the majority of international services, while high-speed rail continued to run.

Typhoon Champi shuts down much of Taiwan

“When necessary, the military will come in to help people, including using amphibious vehicles for evacuations or disaster relief,” — Lee Ming-chen, head of the port town of Suao.

The Straits Times

Residents in Yilan County reported sandbag distribution and the standby of amphibious vehicles and inflatable rescue boats.

Typhoon Champi Approaching Taiwan: One Dead, Mass Closures

• Injury counts vary: 94 vs. 171.

Typhoon Champi Approaching Taiwan: One Dead, Mass Closures

• International flight cancellations differ: 660 vs. 717.

Typhoon Champi disrupts life in Taiwan, over 600 flights canceled

• Evacuation numbers are cited as “almost 1,300” and “about 1,300.”

Typhoon Champi Approaching Taiwan: One Dead, Mass Closures

• Power outage data: over 77,000 homes without electricity; restoration timelines are not uniformly detailed.

The Straits Times

Champi’s large wind radius and heavy rainfall threatened critical infrastructure, prompting widespread closures and disrupting regional air travel, including a major U.S.–Japan military exercise. The event highlights Taiwan’s reliance on disaster-response protocols and the broader impact of an intensified El Niño season on Pacific weather patterns.

France 24

Forecasters expect Champi to pass closest to Taiwan’s northeast late on Oct 23, then move northward toward China’s Zhejiang coast before turning east toward southern Japan’s Yonaguni island. Authorities will continue to monitor wind speeds, rainfall totals and potential coastal flooding, with military and civil-defence units on standby for any further evacuations or rescue operations.

Typhoon Champi kills one in Taiwan as nearly 1,300 evacuated and 931 flights cancelled