1 dead, 500 injured as Typhoon Champi sweeps past Taiwan

Taiwan experienced the aftermath of Typhoon Champi on Saturday, with one fatality and over 500 injuries reported. The storm, which was once a super typhoon and one of the strongest in the Pacific, has weakened as it turned north towards the Chinese coast. At its peak, Champi possessed gusts of approximately 126 kph near its center, though it was still a significant force, according to Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA).

The typhoon passed about 150km east of Taiwan, having brushed the island's northeast coast early on Saturday.

The storm's path indicates it is now moving north towards the Chinese coast, eventually heading into southern Japan. As of the latest reports, the death toll remains at one, a man who was swept away by waves from Liuqiu Island, with 527 injuries sustained due to the heavy wind and torrential rain. Taipower reported that over 167,000 homes lost electricity, although most had their power restored.

The transport ministry noted that 242 flights were cancelled, a significant decrease from the nearly 1,000 cancellations on Friday.

In Taipei, the capital, downed trees and sporadic squally rain showers were observed. In response to the storm, northern and central Taiwan, including Taipei, declared a second day of school and office closures on Saturday. Despite Champi's intensity, Taiwan is generally well-prepared for typhoons, which helps to minimize casualties. While such storms are more common in the summer months, they can also occur in autumn.