(Photo courtesy of Anadolu)
TAIPEI, Taiwan – Taiwan has ordered widespread suspensions of work and classes on Friday, October 23, as Typhoon Champi approaches the island, bringing threats of heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Authorities announced a full-day suspension of work and classes in 20 of Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities as part of precautionary measures ahead of the storm.
According to local broadcaster TVBS, airlines also canceled domestic flights and at least 40 international flights due to expected severe weather conditions.
However, Kinmen County, an offshore island group near China’s Fujian province, and most areas of Taitung County in southeastern Taiwan will maintain normal operations as they are outside the typhoon’s main impact zone.
Champi, which has weakened to a moderate typhoon, is forecast to make its closest approach to Taiwan at around 2 a.m. Saturday.
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration said the possibility of the storm making landfall has not been ruled out.
Weather officials warned that the typhoon’s strongest effects are expected from Friday through Saturday morning, with conditions likely to improve by Saturday afternoon.
As of Thursday evening, Champi was located approximately 450 kilometers east of Eluanbi, Taiwan’s southernmost point, moving northwest at 18 kilometers per hour.
Heavy rainfall advisories have also been issued for several areas, with precipitation expected to intensify from Thursday evening until Saturday morning.
Authorities urged residents to remain alert, monitor official weather bulletins, and follow safety advisories as the storm approaches.
