Typhoon Champi Disrupts East Asia Flights

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled across East Asia as Typhoon Champi, the strongest storm of the year, approaches Taiwan. Taiwanese authorities have issued a land warning and suspended all trading on the stock exchange, with schools and most offices closed today except in the Kinmen islands. Airlines across Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong have cancelled or rescheduled flights, with China Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan cancelling multiple services between Taiwan and Okinawa. Japan’s major carriers have also cancelled over 100 flights. The typhoon, which brought sustained winds nearing 185 miles per hour earlier this week, has begun to weaken and is now expected to pass near Taiwan’s northeastern coast late today into Saturday before brushing China’s eastern coast. The US Joint Typhoon Warning Center and China’s National Meteorological Centre report that heavy rain and strong winds are likely, prompting evacuations and warnings for residents to avoid coasts and mountainous areas. Authorities and aviation officials continue to monitor the situation as the region braces for further disruptions.