Typhoon Champi Grounds Hundreds of Flights in Taiwan

A powerful Typhoon Champi has forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights across Taiwan and neighbouring Japan, disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers. Fearing severe impact, Taiwanese authorities have urged residents in coastal and mountainous regions to stay vigilant.

Typhoon Champi is forecast to bring gale-force winds and heavy downpours to Taiwan on Friday, October 23. With maximum wind gusts predicted at 173 kilometres per hour, the storm’s vast outer bands threaten to trigger severe weather across the entire island. Taiwanese officials have warned the public to avoid coastal areas and high-risk mountain zones. Evacuation measures are already underway for residents living near a natural dam along the northeastern coast, which is vulnerable to landslides and risks collapsing under torrential rains.

The typhoon’s onset has led to extensive cancellations of both domestic and international flights in Taiwan, while several flights in neighbouring Japan have also been grounded, leaving thousands of travellers scrambling to alter their itineraries. The Pacific region has seen a succession of powerful typhoons in recent times. Experts warn that rising sea surface temperatures, driven by Super El Niño, could further amplify the frequency and intensity of such storms.

Source: BBC