Taipei: A powerful typhoon approaching Taiwan has prompted flight cancellations and warnings of torrential rain, strong winds and huge waves, as authorities put emergency services on standby ahead of its expected impact on Friday and Saturday.

Typhoon Champi is forecast to pass close to Taiwan’s northeastern coast before moving towards China and Japan, according to Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA).

The storm has maximum sustained winds of nearly 195 kmph, according to the latest update from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Champi was previously classified as a super typhoon, with reported wind speeds approaching 300 kmph, but has since weakened.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te urged people to remain alert and prepare for the strong winds and heavy rain expected from the storm.

The typhoon could bring up to 900 mm of rain to mountainous areas in northern and northeastern Taiwan between Thursday and Saturday. Waves could exceed six metres in height, raising concerns over coastal conditions and flooding.

Work and classes have been cancelled on Friday in several cities and counties across the island. More than 23,000 military personnel are on standby to assist with rescue and relief operations, while over 150 domestic and international flights scheduled for Thursday have been cancelled.

CWA forecaster Jason Cheng told AFP that Champi’s most significant impact was expected from Friday through the first half of Saturday. The storm has a radius of around 320 km, he said, adding that its overall storm area was smaller than that of the previous Typhoon Bavi.

China and Japan prepare for heavy rain

Millions of people in eastern China are also preparing for heavy rainfall and possible flash floods as Champi approaches.

China’s Ministry of Water Resources initiated a level-four emergency response on Thursday for potential flooding in Shanghai and the coastal provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian. Level four is the lowest tier in the country’s emergency response system.

The ministry warned that the storm could bring significant rainfall from Friday to Sunday, with heavy to torrential downpours expected in several areas, including much of Shanghai and eastern Zhejiang.

Japan’s two major airlines have cancelled more than 110 flights scheduled between Thursday and Saturday ahead of the storm.

El Nino adds to concerns over Pacific storm season

Champi comes amid an active Pacific storm season that has been intensified by the El Nino climate phenomenon, which causes temporary warming of sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific.

The United Nations warned on Wednesday that the El Nino event was developing to exceptional levels and urged countries to take urgent steps to prepare for its potential impacts.

El Nino is expected to peak in December, but its effects could continue into 2027 and beyond. The climate pattern can alter global weather conditions, increasing the risk of droughts and floods while amplifying the effects of human-caused global warming.