Typhoon Champi disrupts travel across East Asia as hundreds of flights cancelled

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled across Taiwan and Japan as Typhoon Champi approaches East Asia, bringing torrential rainfall, powerful winds, and widespread transport disruption.

Taiwanese authorities cancelled all 262 domestic flights and more than 660 international services scheduled for Friday 23 October, according to local media reports cited by the BBC.

More than 160 flights have also been cancelled across four Japanese airlines.

Railway and ferry services have been suspended in parts of Taiwan, while road closures and restrictions at tourist attractions have further complicated travel.

The storm is approaching Taiwan’s northeastern coast, with forecasters warning that some areas could receive up to 900mm of rainfall before Saturday.

Although its precise track remains uncertain, Champi is expected to pass near Japan’s southern Okinawa islands before moving towards the country’s mainland.

Evacuations and travel warnings

Taiwanese authorities have evacuated more than 1,000 residents, including people living near a landslide dam considered vulnerable to heavy rainfall.

At least one person has died after being swept away by waves, while 171 others have been injured, according to Taiwan’s emergency services.

Schools and offices have closed across much of the island, and authorities have warned residents and visitors to avoid coastal areas and mountainous regions because of the risk of flooding and landslides.

Japan has also experienced flight cancellations and power outages, with airlines including All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines suspending services at several airports.

Champi, which reached super typhoon strength earlier this week, is expected to remain a significant weather threat across the region over the coming days.

Also this week, severe flooding caused by Storm Adam has disrupted travel across parts of Spain’s Valencia region, with emergency services rescuing hundreds of stranded people and evacuating guests from a coastal campsite.