Typhoon Champi Hits Taiwan and Japan as Strongest Storm of Year 2026

Typhoon Champi was declared the strongest storm of the year so far after recording sustained winds of 185mph last week. The powerful typhoon battered Taiwan and Japan's southern islands from late Thursday to early Saturday morning, causing widespread damage and disruption.

Typhoon Champi's Path and Intensity

Champi approached the east coast of Taiwan before the centre of the storm turned south along the Yilan County coastline, looping offshore and then tracking northwards away from the island. The storm brought gusts of up to 141mph and 48-hour rainfall totals of more than 620mm to parts of Yilan.

By Monday, Champi had been downgraded to a tropical storm as it rapidly weakened to the south-west of Japan's mainland. The storm's trajectory spared Taiwan from a direct hit, but its outer bands still caused significant impact.

Impact on Taiwan and Japan

So far, the death toll remains at one, with 527 reported injured. There were widespread power outages, with more than 288,000 houses having no electricity at one point, although most had since been reconnected.

The heavy rainfall and strong winds led to flooding and landslides in some areas, prompting evacuations and rescue operations. Japan's southern islands also experienced strong winds and heavy rain, though the full extent of the damage there is still being assessed.

Key Takeaways from Typhoon Champi

• Typhoon Champi was the strongest storm of 2025 so far, with sustained winds of 185mph.
• The storm caused one death and 527 injuries in Taiwan.
• More than 288,000 homes lost power at the peak of the storm.
• Rainfall totals exceeded 620mm in parts of Yilan County over 48 hours.
• Champi weakened to a tropical storm by Monday, south-west of Japan's mainland.

Comparison of Storm Metrics

What to Watch Next

As Champi weakens, attention turns to recovery efforts in Taiwan and Japan. Authorities are working to restore power and clear debris, while residents in affected areas are advised to remain cautious of lingering hazards such as flooded roads and landslides. The background to this story is set out in US Deploys NMESIS Missiles on Yonaguni Island Near Taiwan. A related thread runs through Japan Condemns Putin's Disputed Kuril Islands Visit.

Meanwhile, parts of Greece are at risk of flooding for the fourth time in October. Low pressure will bring severe thunderstorms and heavy rain to much of the country early this week, followed by a deep area of low pressure passing across southern areas. Earlier coverage in Russia's Missile Tests Near Disputed Islands Anger Japan shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Energy Utilities: latest articles.

The national meteorological agency has issued warnings for Monday, with 30mm-60mm of rain forecast in a 12-hour period across central areas, and 50mm-80mm in the north-east Aegean Islands. Forecast models indicate the potential for similar totals in a 12-hour period between Wednesday and Thursday. Anyone following the wider picture can start with El Niño 2026: Why Three Simultaneous Pacific Hurricanes Signal.

FAQ

For those tracking severe weather patterns, understanding the power of storms like Champi is crucial. The energy sector often faces significant challenges during such events, as seen in the widespread power outages. You can learn more about how utilities prepare for and respond to extreme weather in our Typhoon Dujuan Threatens Japan: Izu Islands Evacuation Alert article, which highlights similar preparedness measures.

As climate patterns shift, the frequency and intensity of such storms may increase, putting additional strain on infrastructure. Staying informed about these events helps communities and businesses better prepare. Our coverage of Typhoon Dujuan Threatens Japan: Izu Islands Evacuation Alert offers further insights into how Japan manages typhoon risks.

Finally, the recovery from Champi will take time, and the lessons learned can inform future disaster response. For a closer look at how another recent typhoon affected the region, see Typhoon Dujuan Threatens Japan: Izu Islands Evacuation Alert.