Typhoon Champi Sweeps Past Taiwan, Killing One and Injuring 527

Champi's approach began with forecasts of renewed strength over the western Pacific. On October 18, philstar.com reported that the typhoon had weakened west of Guam but could intensify again as it moved west-northwestward.

By October 19, Infobae reported that Champi had regained super typhoon strength and was approaching the Philippines, with wind and rain alerts in the north as it headed toward Taiwan.

On October 20, Philippine warnings expanded as the storm intensified east of Northern Luzon. philstar.com reported that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 covered seven areas, identifying the storm by its Philippine name, Rosal, and international name, Champi.

Taiwan was also preparing. Infobae reported on October 20 that heavy or torrential rain could hit the island's northern half on October 23 and 24, although the exact track remained uncertain.

By October 21, Champi had become one of the year's most powerful storms. Reports differed on its record status: Scientific American described winds of 185 miles per hour as the strongest of 2026, while Yahoo News said it had tied April's Super Typhoon Sinlaku. In the Philippines, philstar.com reported that Signal No. 2 remained in force in Batanes despite slight weakening.

On October 22, Infobae reported further weakening ahead of Champi's closest approach to the far northern Philippines. Taiwan issued a land warning, with gusts still exceeding 227 kilometres per hour near the centre, according to CNA.

The disruption widened that day. Phys.org reported dozens of flight cancellations and warnings about heavy rain, strong winds and giant waves. Bloomberg reported that Taiwan's stock exchange would close Friday, alongside offices and schools in Taipei.

By October 23, most schools and businesses across Taiwan were closed and hundreds of flights had been cancelled, according to AFP. Authorities said one person died after being swept away by waves on Liuqiu island, BBC News reported. Euronews put the injury count at 94.

Champi was no longer a super typhoon, but Deutsche Welle reported winds of nearly 200 kilometres per hour and thousands of evacuations. Its radius was about 320 kilometres, enough to cover most of Taiwan, and weather experts said its effects could last nearly two days, according to The Hindu.

Reports differed on the storm's immediate position. Euronews described Champi as sweeping past Taiwan on Friday, while Phys.org still described it as approaching. Both accounts reported widespread disruption.

The next concern is eastern China. Infobae reported on October 23 that thousands had been evacuated and maritime routes suspended as Champi approached the coast with winds of up to 162 kilometres per hour and the potential for heavy rain.

Travel disruption could spread further. South China Morning Post reported that cancellations were compounding across East Asia, with major mainland Chinese airports also facing potential effects from the storm.