Taiwan suspends schools, businesses and flights as Typhoon Champi nears

Island‑wide shutdown Taiwan effectively came to a standstill on Friday, 23 October 2026, as authorities prepared for the approach of Typhoon Champi. Almost all schools, offices and commercial establishments were ordered to close, and the island’s financial markets were also shut for the day. Only the Kinmen islands, located close to the Chinese coast, kept schools and offices open as normal.

Transport disruptions The Transport Ministry announced the cancellation of every scheduled domestic flight – 262 in total – and hundreds of international services. Reports from different agencies cite figures ranging from more than 350 to as many as 669 international flights being called off. The extensive cancellations reflected the storm’s large wind radius, estimated at about 320 km, which was expected to affect the whole island.

Storm intensity and track Champi had previously reached super‑typhoon strength, making it one of the strongest Pacific cyclones of the year. Although it was weakening by the time it neared Taiwan, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) recorded gusts of roughly 191 km/h (119 mph) near the storm’s centre. At the time of the shutdown the system was positioned roughly 300 km east of Taiwan’s southern tip. Forecast models showed the typhoon passing just off the island’s northeastern coast before turning northward toward the Chinese mainland and eventually moving into southern Japan. Meteorologists warned that a stall or wobble in the storm’s path could still result in a direct landfall.

Preparations and casualties Authorities evacuated about 1,200‑1,300 residents from vulnerable mountainous regions. Mobile alerts warned coastal communities of wind speeds exceeding 150 km/h and urged people to seek shelter. In the northeastern county of Yilan, officials distributed sandbags and placed amphibious vehicles and inflatable rescue boats on standby. Military personnel were also prepared to assist with evacuations if required.

The typhoon’s impact was already being felt. At least one person was swept away by waves, and reports indicated dozens of injuries, with one source citing 94 injured. Coastal towns experienced high waves, with footage showing water crashing against breakwaters in Keelung and Badouzi Fishing Port. Heavy rainfall forecasts predicted up to a metre of rain in northern mountain areas, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center estimated total precipitation could reach 90 cm across the island between Thursday and Saturday.

Outlook Experts noted that the storm’s large wind field and potential slowdown could prolong hazardous conditions for nearly two days. While Taiwan is accustomed to typhoons and generally maintains low casualty rates through robust preparedness, the combination of strong winds, intense rain and high seas posed significant challenges for residents and emergency services during Champi’s approach.