Taiwan shut down schools and offices on Friday as Typhoon Champi brushed the island. The storm, which has a radius of around 320km large enough to cover most of Taiwan, brought strong winds and torrential rains, resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of flights across the region.
Authorities have reported at least one death and numerous injuries, with reports indicating more than 170 people were injured. In preparation for a possible direct hit, thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes, including more than 1,200 reported in some areas.
Once classified as a super typhoon and one of the strongest storms in the Pacific this year, Champi weakened slightly on Thursday. Although no longer a super typhoon, it continues to pack winds of nearly 200 kmh and gusts of more than 227 kmh near its center.