Typhoon Champi nears Taiwan, causing 200 flight cancellations and disrupting US-Japan drills
Taiwan issued a land warning on Thursday as powerful Typhoon Champi approached, prompting more than 200 flight cancellations in the region and forcing changes to a major U.S.-Japan military exercise.
Typhoon Champi, a powerful storm with winds exceeding 227 kph, is expected to approach Taiwan later on Thursday, disrupting flights and military exercises in the region. The storm, one of the strongest this year, is currently about 520 km southeast of Taiwan's southern tip. Its path suggests it will pass northeastern Taiwan, turn northward toward China, and eventually move into southern Japan.
The storm's radius has expanded to cover most of Taiwan, with weather experts predicting impacts lasting nearly two days. Coastal areas have been warned of waves over 6 meters, and northern mountain regions may receive up to a meter of rain. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has urged residents to prepare for the typhoon's impact, emphasizing that a little preparation reduces risk.
Taiwan's transport authorities have canceled 125 domestic flights, while the rail network remains unaffected. No evacuations have been reported. Japan's major carriers, including Japan Airlines and ANA, have also canceled over 100 flights, affecting more than 11,000 passengers. The storm is disrupting the Keen Sword military exercise, which involves 56,000 Japanese and U.S. personnel along with forces from five other nations. The U.S. military is adjusting training activities to ensure participant safety.
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