1 dead, 500 injured as Typhoon Champi sweeps past Taiwan

On Saturday, Typhoon Champi made landfall near Taiwan, resulting in one fatality and over 500 injuries. The powerful storm, which was once a super typhoon among the strongest Pacific storms this year, has weakened but still possesses gusts of approximately 126 kph near its center. Central Weather Administration reported that the typhoon was approximately 150km east of Taiwan and had already brushed the island's northeast coast early on Saturday.

The storm's projected path indicates a northward turn towards China and eventual entry into southern Japan. The death toll remains at one, with the deceased swept away by waves from Liuqiu Island. Over 527 people sustained injuries due to the storm's intense winds and relentless rainfall. Following the storm, more than 167,000 households were left without power, although the majority have since been restored.

TAIPower stated that 242 flights were canceled, a significant decrease from the nearly 1,000 cancellations reported on Friday. In Taipei, downed trees were observed, and intermittent squally rain showers occurred. Northern and central Taiwan, including Taipei, declared a second day of school and office closures on Saturday. Taiwan is typically well-prepared for typhoons, resulting in relatively low casualty rates. While more common during the summer, these storms can still occur in the autumn.