Taiwan experienced widespread closures of schools and shops on Friday due to the approach of Typhoon Champi. The storm, which is predicted to pass through northeastern Taiwan, has forced more than 1,200 people to evacuate their homes. The storm is moving toward China and Japan, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights in the region.
Forecasts and Military Preparations
Heavy rains, strong winds, and massive waves are forecasted for Friday and Saturday, and thousands of military personnel are ready to assist with rescue operations. Liu Quchen, director of Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau, stated at a press conference: "As the storm approaches the northeastern tip of Taiwan, there is a possibility of it slowing down. If the storm slows down, its impact will last longer."
Impact on Daily Life
Work and classes have been canceled in nearly all parts of Taiwan due to the storm, and the streets are quiet as residents stay home to wait for the storm. Some businesses have installed sandbags and metal barriers at their entrances to prevent flooding.
A 73-year-old farmer named Tsai expressed concern in New Taipei City, saying: "I am worried about flooding. The vegetables might get submerged and spoiled." A 27-year-old employee of a chain store named Peter Chen also expressed concern about the conditions on Friday night when the eye of the storm will be closer to Taiwan's shores, saying: "We might prepare some sandbags."
Typhoon Champi is the latest storm in the busy Pacific season, intensified by the El Niño weather phenomenon. The United Nations announced on Wednesday that the El Niño system affecting the Earth has reached unprecedented levels, urging various countries to take immediate action to prepare for the worst-case scenarios. El Niño is expected to peak in December, but its human impacts may continue until 2027 and beyond.
The warm phase of a natural climate cycle, El Niño temporarily raises sea temperatures in the tropical Pacific and creates climate changes that can increase the risk of drought and flooding, exacerbating global warming caused by human activities.
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