TAIPEI, Taiwan — October 24, 2026
Typhoon Champi has left one person dead, 616 injured and widespread infrastructure damage across Taiwan, according to the latest figures released by the island’s Central Emergency Operations Center.
The powerful storm brought destructive winds, torrential rainfall and dangerous coastal waves, leaving hundreds of thousands of households without electricity and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate.
Although Champi weakened as it moved away from Taiwan on Saturday, authorities continued assessing damage and restoring essential services.
Death Toll and Injuries Continue to Rise
Taiwanese emergency officials confirmed one storm-related death in Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County.
The victim, a man who was swept away by powerful waves near a beach on Thursday, was subsequently pronounced dead.
The number of reported injuries rose significantly as the storm intensified.
By Saturday afternoon, officials had recorded 616 injuries, most involving relatively minor cuts, bruises and other trauma.
Of those injured, 486 had already been discharged from hospitals, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency.
Authorities reported no missing persons.
More Than 9,000 Damage Incidents Reported
The storm caused extensive disruption to transportation, electricity supplies and public infrastructure.
Emergency authorities received 9,027 reports of storm-related damage.
Among the most common incidents were:
- 3,287 reports involving fallen trees.
- 3,033 reports involving essential infrastructure.
- 1,014 reports involving damaged billboards and signs.
Taipei recorded 1,282 fallen-tree incidents, while Taichung reported 646.
Strong winds damaged rooftops, uprooted trees and brought down electrical equipment across affected communities.
In eastern Taiwan, powerful waves reportedly overturned a massive 250-ton crane at a port.
More Than 340,000 Households Lose Electricity
Electricity disruptions affected more than 340,000 households during the storm.
By Saturday evening, restoration crews had reconnected most customers, although approximately 22,000 households were still waiting for electricity to return.
Officials expected the remaining power interruptions to be resolved later Saturday night.
The storm also disrupted telecommunications infrastructure, leaving some landline connections and cellular base stations awaiting repair.
Nearly 5,000 Residents Evacuated
Authorities evacuated approximately 4,960 people from areas threatened by landslides, flooding and other storm-related hazards.
Evacuations affected communities across northern, eastern, central and southern Taiwan.
Residents near the Wanli River barrier lake in Hualien County were among those moved to safer locations because of concerns about possible flooding.
Emergency officials continued monitoring vulnerable mountainous regions and areas at risk of debris flows.
Torrential Rainfall Hits Northern Taiwan
Yilan County recorded approximately 650 millimeters of accumulated rainfall between Thursday and Saturday afternoon.
Other locations, including Taoyuan and Hsinchu County, received more than 500 millimeters.
Taipei recorded approximately 469.5 millimeters during the same period.
Such intense rainfall can saturate soil, destabilize slopes and increase the risk of flash flooding and landslides, even after a typhoon’s strongest winds have passed.
Hundreds of Flights Disrupted
Champi also caused major disruptions to air transportation.
Hundreds of flights were canceled as airlines responded to dangerous weather conditions.
Schools and government offices across parts of northern and central Taiwan remained closed for a second consecutive day.
As conditions improved, authorities began reopening transportation infrastructure and assessing when normal operations could resume.
Storm Weakens as Taiwan Begins Recovery
By Saturday afternoon, Champi had weakened into a tropical storm and was moving away from Taiwan toward waters near southern Japan.
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration lifted its land warning Saturday afternoon.
Although the immediate threat was diminishing, intermittent rainfall remained possible in parts of northern Taiwan.
Recovery operations continued, with crews removing fallen trees, repairing damaged electrical equipment and restoring public services.
How Much Financial Damage Did Champi Cause?
The full economic cost of Typhoon Champi has not yet been established.
Damage assessments are expected to include repairs to public infrastructure, electrical systems, transportation facilities, residential buildings and commercial properties.
Business interruptions, flight cancellations and agricultural losses could also contribute to the storm’s overall economic impact.
However, no verified nationwide monetary damage estimate was available at the time of this report.
What Happens Next?
Taiwan’s emergency agencies are shifting their focus from immediate storm response to cleanup and infrastructure restoration.
Authorities will continue monitoring unstable slopes, damaged infrastructure and communities affected by flooding.
Residents are encouraged to follow local emergency advisories and avoid hazardous coastal and mountainous areas until conditions are declared safe.
Although Champi has moved away, its effects may continue to be felt as communities begin rebuilding and restoring normal activities.
VietEcho will continue monitoring official reports for updates on casualties, property damage and recovery efforts.
VietEcho World News | October 24, 2026
