Taiwan braces as El Nino-supercharged Typhoon Champi approaches island
Taiwan is bracing for the impact of Typhoon Champi, which has forced over 1,300 people to evacuate and closed nearly all businesses, schools and shops.
Nearly all businesses, shops and schools have closed across Taiwan as Typhoon Champi, weakened from super typhoon status, bears down on the island. Over 1,300 people have been forced to evacuate to higher ground, and hundreds of flights have been cancelled across the region, according to the Ministry of Transportation. At least one person has already been killed after being swept out to sea, and dozens more have been injured.
In the capital Taipei, public transport was still operating but at reduced capacity. Authorities have positioned inflatable boats and amphibious vehicles around the island to aid in rescue efforts. Military personnel are on standby to assist with rescue efforts throughout the storm's expected duration.
"As it approaches Taiwan's northeastern tip, the typhoon may slow down. If it slows down, its impact will last longer," said CWA Administrator Lu Kuo-chen. He added, "People should be aware that the strong winds and extremely heavy rain will continue into the first half of tomorrow."
Storm's path and size
The storm is currently about 220 kilometers (137 miles) east of the island's southern shore, with a radius of about 320 kilometers. Forecasters say Champi is projected to move past Taiwan's northeastern shore before turning north to China and eventually moving east into southern Japan. However, any deviation from its current course could mean a direct hit for Taiwan.
Though no longer a 'super typhoon', Champi has maintained high winds and has a footprint big enough to blanket most of the island. The storm is expected to bring torrential rain, massive waves and sustained high winds to Taiwan throughout Friday and Saturday.
El Nino's role
Champi attained "super typhoon" status as it built strength during its approach, with winds clocking 298 km/h (185 mph). Fueled by this year's exceptionally strong El Nino season — a cyclical weather phenomenon that sees water temperatures in the tropical Pacific rise, in turn turbocharging storms — the storm has weakened but still packs wind gusts of about 190 km/h as it approaches from the southwest.
This year's El Nino phase, which the United Nations on Wednesday described as "heading off the charts," is expected to peak in December. Its impact, however, could last years, with the UN urging nations in the Pacific to prepare for the worst.
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