Taiwan Shuts Down Ahead of Typhoon Champi, Nearly 1,000 Flights Cancelled

Typhoon Champi brought winds and torrential rain to Taiwan on Friday, prompting most of the island to suspend work and classes. The transport ministry cancelled all 262 domestic flights and 717 international flights. Officials reported one death and 163 injuries, while 2,639 people were evacuated from mountainous areas. More than 77,000 homes lost power, though electricity was restored to most. The storm’s centre was forecast to pass just off northeastern Taiwan before turning toward China and Japan; landfall remained possible.