Taiwan braces for powerful Typhoon Champi as flights are cancelled

Taiwan is preparing for the arrival of powerful Typhoon Champi, with dozens of flights cancelled and authorities warning residents to remain alert as the storm threatens heavy rainfall, destructive winds and dangerous waves. The typhoon is expected to pass near Taiwan’s northeastern coast on Friday and Saturday before continuing towards China and Japan.

According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA), Champi could bring severe weather conditions across parts of the island, particularly in northern and northeastern mountainous areas. The latest update from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported maximum sustained winds of around 213 kilometres per hour, although the storm has weakened since it was previously classified as a super typhoon, with wind speeds reportedly approaching 300 kilometres per hour.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te urged the public to take the approaching storm seriously and prepare for possible disruptions. In a message shared on Facebook, he called on residents to remain vigilant and take precautions against the strong winds and heavy rainfall expected from the typhoon.

The potential rainfall is a major concern for authorities. Northern and northeastern Taiwan could receive as much as 900 millimetres of rain between Thursday and Saturday, increasing the risk of flooding, landslides and other weather-related emergencies. Waves exceeding six metres are also expected in some areas, creating dangerous conditions along the coast.

Preparations are already underway to respond to potential emergencies. More than 23,000 military personnel have been placed on standby to assist with rescue operations and disaster response if needed. Meanwhile, more than 150 domestic and international flights scheduled for Thursday have been cancelled ahead of the storm, highlighting the growing impact on transportation and travel.

CWA forecaster Jason Cheng told AFP that Typhoon Champi was expected to have its most significant impact from Friday through the first half of Saturday. He also noted that the storm’s radius was approximately 320 kilometres, adding that its overall size was smaller than that of the previous Typhoon Bavi.

The approaching typhoon is also raising concerns across eastern China, where millions of people are preparing for heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding. China’s Ministry of Water Resources activated a Level Four emergency response on Thursday for potential flooding affecting Shanghai and the coastal provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian. Level Four represents the lowest level in China’s emergency response system.

Authorities warned that Champi could bring a prolonged period of significant rainfall from Friday to Sunday, with heavy to torrential downpours forecast in several locations. Much of Shanghai and eastern Zhejiang could experience particularly wet conditions, increasing pressure on drainage systems and raising the possibility of localised flooding.

Japan is also preparing for travel disruptions as the storm moves through the western Pacific. The country’s two major airlines have cancelled more than 110 flights scheduled between Thursday and Saturday, affecting passengers and travel plans during the approaching storm period.

Beyond the immediate threat posed by Champi, the storm is developing during an increasingly active Pacific typhoon season influenced by El Niño. The climate phenomenon involves the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific and can significantly alter weather patterns around the world. These changes can increase the likelihood of certain extreme weather events, including droughts and flooding, depending on the region.

The United Nations warned on Wednesday that the developing El Niño conditions could become exceptionally strong, urging countries to take urgent steps to prepare for potential climate-related impacts. The phenomenon is expected to peak in December, but its effects could continue into 2027 and beyond.

As Taiwan, China and Japan prepare for the approaching storm, the situation highlights the importance of early warnings, emergency planning and public awareness. Residents in potentially affected areas are encouraged to follow official weather updates, prepare essential supplies, avoid dangerous coastal areas and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

For families, travellers and communities in the storm’s path, staying informed and acting early can make a meaningful difference. While forecasts may change as Typhoon Champi progresses, taking warnings seriously and prioritising safety remain essential as the region faces the possibility of severe weather.

Source: Agence France-Presse (AFP). Weather forecasts and storm conditions may change as authorities issue further updates.