Taiwan is bracing for potential impact as Typhoon Champi bears down on the island after weakening slightly, with nearly all businesses, shops and schools closed.

Over 1,300 people have been forced to evacuate to higher ground, and hundreds of flights have been cancelled across the region according to the Ministry of Transportation.

At least one person has already been killed after being swept out to sea and dozens more have been injured.

What do we know about Typhoon Champi?

On Friday, locals were still busy installing sandbags and metal barriers in front of doors and windows to defend against flooding, while authorities positioned inflatable boats and amphibious vehicles around the island to aid in rescue efforts.

Shops and houses have been boarded up in preparation for Champi's arrival Image: I-Hwa Cheng/AFP

In the capital Taipei, public transport was still operating, but at reduced capacity.

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA) says Champi is currently about 220 kilometers (137 miles) east…