Typhoon Champi left one person dead and hundreds injured in Taiwan after powerful winds, torrential rain and huge waves battered the island on October 24. Although the storm’s centre remained offshore, Champi brushed Taiwan’s northeastern coast, with its wide circulation affecting large parts of the island.
The Central Emergency Operations Centre said most injuries were caused by falling trees, electricity cables, billboards and damaged water pipes. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) later lifted the land warning at 2:30 pm after Champi weakened into a tropical storm and moved away from Taiwan.
One Dead, Hundreds Injured
The sole reported death was a man who was swept away by storm-driven waves in Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County, on Thursday, according to the CEOC. More than 500 people had been injured by Saturday morning, with most injuries reported in Taipei and Taichung. Fallen trees, electricity cables, billboards and damaged water pipes were among the main causes of injuries.
Champi also caused widespread physical damage. Powerful coastal gusts reached about 227 kmph in some areas, knocking down power lines and sending roof tiles flying. In Taitung County, waves as high as six metres swept a large crane into the sea at Fugang Fishing Port, while waves of up to eight metres battered Changbin Harbour. Roads were also damaged by coastal erosion.
Power And Flights Hit
The storm disrupted essential services across Taiwan, with hundreds of thousands of households affected by power outages before most supplies were restored. Flight operations were also heavily disrupted, with more than 240 cancellations reported on Saturday, following nearly 1,000 cancellations the previous day. Parts of northern and central Taiwan, including Taipei, kept schools and offices closed for a second day as authorities dealt with the storm’s aftermath.
Taiwan had also carried out preventive evacuations in areas vulnerable to landslides. Before the storm’s arrival, authorities in New Taipei planned to evacuate 1,397 people from landslide-prone districts, while 350 people were evacuated in parts of Yilan. Officials continued warning residents about heavy rain, landslides and dangerous coastal waves even as Champi weakened.
Champi Changes Course
Champi had earlier reached super-typhoon strength, making it one of the strongest storms in the Pacific this year. As it approached Taiwan, its centre turned south around midnight, moved close to the Yilan coastline and then made a rare loop offshore before turning northwards again.
The CWA said the storm was about 260 km northeast of Taipei by 2 pm on October 24 and moving north-northeast to northeast. Its maximum sustained winds had fallen to 108 kmph, with gusts of up to 137 kmph.
CWA Deputy Director Wu Wan-hua had earlier said the storm was expected to weaken into a tropical storm as its radius shrank and its cloud system became more scattered. The land warning was ultimately lifted at 2:30 pm, while the sea warning was expected to be lifted later on Saturday. The CWA also warned that heavy rain and large waves could continue even after the storm itself weakened.
Storm Heads North
With Taiwan’s immediate threat easing, Champi was moving towards China’s coast and was expected to continue weakening. Chinese authorities in Zhejiang province activated emergency measures, preparing rescue personnel and equipment, returning fishing boats to harbour and evacuating people from vulnerable areas. The storm was subsequently expected to move towards southern Japan.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Champi’s impact is a reminder that a tropical cyclone does not need to make direct landfall to cause serious loss, injuries and disruption. Taiwan’s early warnings, evacuations and emergency preparations were crucial in reducing risks, while the continuing threats from flooding, landslides and dangerous waves show why caution must continue even after a storm weakens.
As extreme weather events become increasingly disruptive, how can governments and communities strengthen preparedness while ensuring the most vulnerable people are protected first?
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