Typhoon Champi made landfall in Taiwan on Friday, resulting in one fatality and injuring at least 350 people. Authorities issued urgent warnings for "destructive winds" and urged residents to seek shelter as the storm passed over the island's northeast.

The typhoon's impact was significant, leading to fallen trees, widespread shop and school closures, and power outages affecting thousands of households. More than 4,300 residents were forced to evacuate their homes in response to the severe weather.

Forecasters from Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA) cautioned that conditions would remain intensely windy and stormy through Saturday. "Please try to stay indoors," advised CWA forecaster Lin Ping-yu during a briefing, emphasizing the hazardous conditions expected.

While Champi was once a super typhoon with winds nearing 300 kilometers per hour, it has since weakened. The US Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) as it approached Taiwan. The storm is now tracking towards China and Japan, prompting the cancellation of numerous flights across the region.

Taiwan's northeast experienced heavy rainfall, with Yilan County recording over 400mm on Friday alone. The CWA predicted that Champi could potentially slow down near the island's northeastern tip, extending the duration of its disruptive effects. The typhoon is forecast to drop as much as 900mm of rain between Thursday and Saturday.

In Japan's Okinawa islands, approximately 8,400 households were reported to be without power by Friday afternoon, according to the Okinawa Electric Power Company. Champi's projected path includes lingering near Okinawa and then moving towards China's eastern coast before turning northeast towards mainland Japan.

This storm is the latest in a Pacific typhoon season that has been intensified by the El Nino phenomenon. The World Meteorological Organization has noted that the current El Nino event is exceptionally strong, potentially being "unprecedented in strength" and expected to peak in December, with lasting impacts extending into 2027 and beyond.

Officials are continuing to monitor the typhoon's trajectory and intensity, with ongoing efforts to assist affected residents and restore essential services. The full extent of the damage and the long-term consequences are still being assessed as the storm moves away from Taiwan.