Taiwan Braces for Typhoon Champi as Flights, Trains Face Major Disruptions

Umbrellas were a small defense against powerful gusts in Taipei from typhoon Jiangpi, with people encouraged to stay indoors as the storm nears Taiwan. On the east coast, several major roads were closed, causing a headache for travelers. With the typhoon day off on Friday, plus retrocession day on Monday, people across most of Taiwan got an unexpected four-day weekend. But traveling anywhere is a struggle, with train service interrupted and hundreds of flights canceled. More than 2,000 people have been evacuated from mountainous areas at risk of flooding, as officials try to prevent more casualties. One person drowned on Thursday after being swept out to sea off Xiaoliuqiu Island in southern Taiwan. And close to 200 people have been injured, in motor accidents or by falling objects. Several fishing boats have sunk as well. With the country just weeks away from local elections, candidates had been drawing crowds at rallies across the nation. But President Lai Ching-teh says they need to take the storm seriously. Lai is reminding candidates to focus on keeping people safe rather than getting votes. Lian Lian and Tiffany Wong for Taiwan Plus.