Taipei, October 24, 2026: Typhoon Champi swept past Taiwan, killing one person and injuring more than 500 others as powerful winds and torrential rain battered the island. The storm uprooted trees, damaged buildings, disrupted air travel and caused widespread electricity outages.

According to Taiwan's fire department, 527 people were injured during the storm. The only reported fatality was a man who was swept away by powerful waves near Liuqiu Island in southern Taiwan's Pingtung County.

Powerful Winds Cause Widespread Damage

Although Typhoon Champi did not make direct landfall in Taiwan, its enormous size brought severe weather to large parts of the island. Strong gusts knocked down trees, damaged rooftops, toppled road signs and brought down power lines.

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration reported that the storm was weakening as it moved away from the island. However, dangerous winds and rough seas continued to pose risks to coastal communities.

At its strongest, Champi had developed into a super typhoon, making it one of the most powerful storms in the Pacific this year.

Hundreds of Thousands of Homes Lose Electricity

The typhoon severely affected Taiwan's electricity supply, leaving more than 288,000 households without power at one point. Electricity restoration teams worked to repair damaged power lines and restore services to affected communities.

Authorities also reported damage to buildings and other infrastructure, including fallen trees and structural damage in parts of Taipei and other areas.

Flights Cancelled, Schools and Offices Closed

The storm disrupted transportation across Taiwan, with hundreds of flights cancelled as authorities prioritised passenger safety. Schools and government offices in several northern and central areas, including Taipei, remained closed for a second day.

Residents were urged to remain indoors, avoid coastal areas and stay away from dangerous waves, falling objects and damaged electrical infrastructure.

Typhoon Champi Moves Towards China and Japan

After passing Taiwan, Champi began moving northwards towards China's eastern coastline, with its projected path extending towards southern Japan.

Chinese authorities prepared emergency response teams and equipment as the storm approached. Officials also took precautionary measures to protect coastal communities, fishing vessels and offshore workers from strong winds and rough seas.

Although Champi has weakened, authorities across the region remain alert to the possibility of further weather-related disruption.