Taiwan closed schools, offices and financial markets on Friday as Typhoon Champi approached, with almost 1,000 flights cancelled, Reuters reports via Daily Maverick.
The storm, once a super typhoon, was about 170km east of the island with gusts near its centre of around 191km/h, according to the Central Weather Administration. It was forecast to skirt the north-east late on Friday, then head for China and southern Japan. Forecasters said landfall could not be ruled out if it stalled or wobbled.
One person has died and 163 have been injured. More than 2,600 people were evacuated from mountain areas and over 77,000 homes lost power, though most supply has returned. All 262 domestic and 717 international flights were cancelled, while high-speed rail kept running. TSMC said its chip plants were unaffected. Up to a metre of rain was forecast for northern mountains.
Source: Daily Maverick
