Super Typhoon Champi Damages Guam on Its Way Toward Taiwan
Super Typhoon Champi is on its way to Taiwan after damaging portions of Guam. Here is the latest on this storm that is barreling through the western Pacific Ocean.
Champi Skirts Past Guam, Causing Damage and Displacing Residents
The U.S. territory of Guam experienced a rare swipe by a typhoon over the weekend, ripping off roofs and bringing down trees. Champi came within 12 miles of the southern tip of Guam on Sunday. Crews are still working to determine the true scope of the damage. The governors of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands both requested emergency disaster declarations on Friday in advance of the storm.
Champi was the third typhoon to impact the Mariana Islands in 2026. With about 150,000 residents, Guam lies to the north of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). These 14 islands have a population of about 50,000 people, with the bulk of the population residing on Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. Both Guam and the CNMI are part of the Mariana Archipelago, with Guam located in the far southern reaches of this group of islands.
The Red Cross confirmed that it is staffing 15 shelters across four islands. Over 1,000 residents are sheltering at these locations. The aid agency said that "Multiple communities have lost power and water, with as many as 170 wells not operating. Some water systems have been down since Super Typhoon Sinlaku hit the islands in April."
Because Guam is a U.S. territory, it is eligible for relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). However, FEMA said on Saturday that it could take a few days for the relief supplies to reach Guam.
Super Typhoon Sinlaku struck the island of Saipan on April 14, followed by a landfall on Rota from Super Typhoon Bavi on July 6.
What is Next for Super Typhoon Champi?
The latest forecast models indicate that Super Typhoon Champi will approach Taiwan in the coming days. Although storms are measured differently in this part of the world's oceans, Champi is the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane.
Champi is currently churning over the Philippine Sea to the north of Yap Island. The storm is moving to the west-northwest and is forecast to continue on this path for the next few days.
Forecasters are warning residents of Taiwan to prepare for heavy rain and high winds to arrive by late Thursday. These impacts are expected to persist across the island into Saturday.
Eastern China will feel the impacts of Champi beginning on Friday and lasting through Sunday. Rainfall of up to two feet is possible in the hardest-hit areas of eastern Taiwan.
Champi is also a prolific wind producer. The forecast is calling for gusts of up to 160 mph. Like the rain, the eastern portion of Taiwan is predicted to see the worst of the winds. In addition to wind and rain, Champi will raise the threat of mudslides, coastal inundation, and flash flooding. The storm will have the potential to unleash widespread structural damage and power outages. Transportation is also expected to be disrupted on a large scale.
There is a chance that Champi could eclipse Sinlaku as the strongest storm in the Western Pacific this season. Champi peaked at 165 mph but could intensify further as it moves over warm waters. For context, Sinlaku topped out with winds of 185 mph.
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