Typhoon Champi is on a direct path toward Taiwan, prompting government officials to issue immediate safety advisories for residents. Premier Cho Jung-Tai has stressed the importance of avoiding high-risk zones, particularly coastal and mountainous areas, as the storm is expected to make landfall shortly.

Timeline of Typhoon Champi

According to Lu Kuo-chen, head of the Central Weather Administration (CWA), the typhoon will envelop the entire island. “After it makes landfall, it will slowly leave Taiwan on the 24th and the 25th,” he noted, highlighting that the strongest winds are anticipated between Friday and Saturday.

Evacuation Orders and Risks

In preparation for potential hazards, the National Fire Agency Chief Secretary, Cheng Chih Chiang, has called for evacuations in specific areas, particularly those living downstream from the Wanli Creek landslide dam in Hualien. As of Thursday morning, the dam was reported to be holding five million metric tons of water, raising concerns about its stability during the storm.

Continued Precautions Post-Storm

Cheng also cautioned that, even after Champi has exited Taiwan, residents should remain vigilant and avoid mountainous regions, creeks, and beaches as conditions may still be hazardous.