Northern Taiwan Braces for Heavy Rain as Typhoon Champi Nears

Northern Taiwan is bracing for severe weather as Typhoon Champi edges closer to the island’s eastern coast. The Central Weather Administration projects the storm’s periphery will bring intense rainfall and powerful gusts, particularly affecting Taipei, New Taipei and Keelung through Friday. Following disruptions caused by an offshore typhoon in August, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and Keelung Mayor George Hsieh have ordered comprehensive checks on landslide-prone mountain slopes, vulnerable elderly residents and low-lying urban areas. Authorities are distributing sandbags, inspecting flood barriers and warning coastal communities of large waves as a sea warning remains likely.