Authorities issue a land warning as the powerful storm threatens heavy rainfall, destructive winds and dangerous coastal waves across Taiwan and parts of Japan.
TAIPEI, October 22, 2026: Taiwan has issued a land warning as powerful Typhoon Champi approaches the island, prompting flight cancellations and raising concerns about heavy rainfall, strong winds and dangerous sea conditions.
According to Reuters, the storm was producing wind gusts of more than 227 kilometres per hour near its centre on Thursday. Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration warned that the typhoon could affect large parts of the island, with its impact expected to continue for nearly two days.
Authorities have urged residents to prepare for severe weather and avoid coastal and mountainous areas as the storm moves closer.
The approaching typhoon has disrupted air travel across Taiwan and Japan. Taiwan’s transport authorities reported that 125 flights were cancelled on Thursday, mostly domestic services.
Japanese airlines also cancelled more than 100 flights between Thursday and Sunday, affecting over 11,000 passengers, according to Reuters.
Airlines have advised passengers to check official flight-status updates before travelling to airports, as schedules may change depending on weather conditions.
Weather officials have warned of heavy rainfall, strong winds and large waves along Taiwan’s coast. Some coastal areas received mobile phone alerts warning of waves exceeding six metres.
Northern Taiwan’s mountainous areas could receive close to one metre of rainfall, raising concerns about flooding and landslides.
President Lai Ching-te urged residents to prepare for the storm and avoid unnecessary visits to coastal and mountainous areas.
Typhoon Champi has also disrupted the Keen Sword military exercise involving the United States and Japan. Military officials said training activities were being adjusted to protect participants as the storm approaches the region.
The exercise involves tens of thousands of personnel and includes coordinated land, sea and air operations.
Forecasts on Thursday indicated that Typhoon Champi would pass near northeastern Taiwan before turning north towards waters near China and eventually moving towards southern Japan.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the storm’s path and have urged residents and travellers to follow official weather and transport advisories.
Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 | 1:24 PM IST