Typhoon Champi Coastal Surge Hits Taiwan, Leaves One Dead, Nearly 100 Injured Across Island

Taipei, Taiwan— Typhoon Champi slammed into Taiwan's coast on October 25, 2026 with a powerful surge that left one person dead and nearly 100 injured across the island as waves flooded towns.

The Central Weather Administration said Champi made landfall near Taitung with sustained winds of 145 km/h and gusts to 180. The storm pushed a 2 to 3-meter surge into eastern and southern coasts. Fishing harbors in Taitung and Pingtung were overtopped. Seawater poured into first-floor homes and shops.

The death occurred in Hualien, where a 62-year-old man was swept away while checking fishing gear at a harbor wall. Coast guard divers recovered the body two hours later. Of the injured, most suffered cuts from flying debris and falls during evacuations. Hospitals reported 97 injuries by evening.

More than 8,000 people were evacuated from low-lying villages in Taitung, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung. The military deployed amphibious vehicles to move residents. In Fangliao, a train track was undermined by surge erosion, halting rail service on the southern line.

A resident in Taitung said, "The water came fast, higher than last year. We moved the fridge upstairs, but the wave took the scooter." Convenience stores taped windows. Power failed for 56,000 households, with Taipower crews working in high winds to restore lines.

The storm dumped 300 to 450 millimeters of rain in 12 hours on the eastern slopes, triggering landslides that blocked the Suhua Highway. The agriculture ministry estimated early losses to aquaculture and banana crops, but said full accounting will wait until waters recede.

The Central Emergency Operation Center ordered schools and offices closed in 12 counties. Domestic flights were canceled and 120 international flights delayed. President's office said it is monitoring reservoirs that are nearing spill levels after the deluge.

Champi is forecast to weaken to a tropical storm as it moves into the Taiwan Strait tonight, but forecasters warned the surge and heavy rain will continue on the west coast through tomorrow morning as the system drags moisture.

Cleanup began in some areas even as the wind still howled. Pump trucks worked streets in Kaohsiung where storm drains backed up with seawater and mud.