On 23 October 2026, Taiwan brought life to a near standstill as the powerful Typhoon Champi approached, bringing with it gale-force winds and torrential rain. The authorities cancelled 977 flights, closed most schools, government offices and the stock market. One person died as a result of the storm, over 170 were injured, and more than 2,600 residents were evacuated from dangerous areas. According to meteorologists, wind gusts near the centre of the typhoon are reaching 191 km/h.
- On 23 October, Taiwan was hit by the powerful Typhoon Champi.
- Due to bad weather, 977 flights and 96 ferry crossings were cancelled.
- One person is reported to have died and more than 170 have been injured.
- More than 2,600 people were evacuated, and more than 77,000 households were left without electricity.
- Schools, organisations and the stock market have suspended operations.
Typhoon Champi has brought air travel in Taiwan to a standstill
According to the Civil Aeronautics Administration of Taiwan, as of the morning of 23 October 977 flights have been cancelled due to the approaching typhoon. Of these, 262 are domestic flights, whilst a further 715 are international flights and flights between Taiwan and mainland China.
Taoyuan International Airport, near Taipei, was hit hardest by the disruption. In just nine hours, 596 flights were cancelled there, including 75 cargo flights.
EVA Air has cancelled its long-haul flights to Europe and the US scheduled for Friday. Starlux Airlines, on the other hand, has decided to maintain most of its long-haul services.
The bad weather has also disrupted maritime services. The authorities have announced the cancellation of 96 ferry crossings on ten routes linking Taiwan with the neighbouring islands.
One person has died and more than 170 have been injured
According to Taiwan’s emergency services, typhoon claimed the life of at least one person. A man was swept away by a powerful wave on the beach on Liuchiu Island in Pindong County.
The number of people injured throughout the day rose. According to the latest reports from international news agencies, 171 people were injured. The main causes of the injuries included road accidents and people and objects falling, in particular trees and advertising structures.
A total of 2,639 residents were evacuated from the danger zones. The largest number of people left their homes in New Taipei, Taoyuan and Hualien.
Due to strong winds, more than 77,000 households were temporarily left without electricity. The power companies have restored supply to most customers.
Schools, public institutions and the stock market have been closed in Taiwan
Due to the threat of a typhoon, most local authorities have announced the suspension of activities at educational establishments and public institutions on 23 October.
The Taiwan Stock Exchange was also closed. Meanwhile, the high-speed rail service continued to operate, whilst public transport in Taipei was running with restrictions.
TSMC, the world’s largest contract semiconductor manufacturer, has stated that its facilities are operating as normal and that the natural disaster has had no significant impact on production.
Local authorities have urged residents to stay away from the coast, avoid mountainous areas and keep an eye on updates from the emergency services.
Wind speeds reached 191 km/h: where is the typhoon heading?
According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau, Champi had previously reached super typhoon strength, but began to weaken as it approached the island. As of 23 October, the maximum sustained wind speed near its centre was around 155 km/h, with gusts reaching 191 km/h.
The radius of the storm winds was approximately 320 kilometres. Due to the typhoon’s considerable size, its effects are being felt even in areas far from the centre of the storm.
Meteorologists are forecasting that Champi It will pass close to the north-eastern coast of Taiwan, after which it will move northwards towards the southern islands of Japan.
However, the possibility of the typhoon making direct landfall cannot be ruled out, as its path may change.
When will Typhoon Champi leave Taiwan?
The heaviest rainfall is forecast for Friday and into the early hours of Saturday, 24 October. Particularly heavy downpours are expected in the mountainous regions of the northern and eastern parts of the island. According to forecasts, some areas could see nearly a metre of rainfall, posing a risk of flooding and landslides.
After passing close to Taiwan, the typhoon will continue towards Japan. Due to the bad weather, there are also reports of disruption to air travel and power cuts there.
Taiwanese authorities are continuing to monitor the movement of Champi and have warned that dangerous weather conditions may persist until 24 October.
