Taiwan warns of ‘destructive winds’ as Typhoon Champi batters island

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 24, 2026

Typhoon Champi hit Taiwan with damaging winds and heavy rain, causing power outages for over 21,000 households, evacuations of more than 4,300 people, and at least one fatality. The storm's slow movement and its link to the active El Niño-driven Pacific season raise concerns for prolonged impacts and further disruptions as it continues toward China and Japan.

Typhoon Champi struck Taiwan on Friday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and widespread disruptions across the island. Authorities issued warnings of “destructive winds” and urged residents to remain indoors as the storm moved past northern Taiwan on its path toward China and Japan.

The typhoon caused significant damage, toppling trees and cutting power to more than 21,000 households. In response, thousands of military personnel were placed on standby to assist with rescue and recovery operations. Over 4,300 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas as a precaution. At least one person died after being swept away by waves generated by the storm, and about 350 others sustained injuries.

Most schools and businesses across Taiwan were closed, and hundreds of flights were canceled to ensure public safety. Travelers found themselves stranded as airports suspended operations, with some sheltering in hotels. Nearby, on Japan’s southwestern island of Ishigaki, residents and business owners prepared for the storm by closing shops and securing storefronts with windproof nets.

Meteorological agencies noted that Champi briefly reached super typhoon status over the ocean, with maximum sustained winds near 300 kilometers per hour (186 miles per hour) before weakening slightly. By the time it neared Taiwan, winds had reduced to around 185 km/h. Forecasters warned that the typhoon might slow as it passes Taiwan’s northeastern tip, which could prolong its impact.

Officials cited the influence of the ongoing El Niño weather phenomenon, which has contributed to a particularly active and intense Pacific storm season by causing unprecedented warming in the equatorial Pacific region.

Central Weather Administration forecaster Ling Ping-yu cautioned, “From tonight through tomorrow morning conditions will be very windy and stormy everywhere,” advising residents to stay indoors for safety. Similar warnings were disseminated via government text messages as the storm swept through northern Taiwan.

The situation remains closely monitored by local and regional authorities as they respond to the immediate impact and prepare for potential further disruptions caused by the typhoon’s continued movement toward neighboring countries.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.