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Typhoon Sinlaku (2002)
Pacific typhoon in 2002 / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Typhoon Sinlaku was a damaging typhoon that affected Okinawa, Taiwan, and eastern China in September 2002. The 16th named storm of the 2002 Pacific typhoon season, Sinlaku formed on August 27 northeast of the Northern Marianas Islands. After initially moving to the north, it began a generally westward motion that it maintained for the rest of its duration. Sinlaku strengthened into a typhoon and attained its peak winds on August 31. Over the next few days, it fluctuated slightly in intensity while moving over or near the Ryukyu Islands. On September 4, the typhoon's eye crossed over Okinawa. It dropped heavy rainfall and produced strong winds that left over 100,000 people without power. Damage on the island was estimated at $14.3 million.[nb 1]
![]() Typhoon Sinlaku at peak intensity on August 31 | |
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | August 27, 2002 |
Dissipated | September 8, 2002 |
Typhoon | |
10-minute sustained (JMA) | |
Highest winds | 150 km/h (90 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 950 hPa (mbar); 28.05 inHg |
Category 3-equivalent typhoon | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
Highest winds | 205 km/h (125 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 933 hPa (mbar); 27.55 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 30 total |
Damage | $723 million (2002 USD) |
Areas affected | Japan, Taiwan, China |
IBTrACS![]() | |
Part of the 2002 Pacific typhoon season |
After affecting Okinawa, Sinlaku threatened northern Taiwan, which was previously affected by two deadly typhoons in the previous year. Officials enacted many preparations, although damage ended up being minimal on the island. Two people were killed on Taiwan, however. Sinlaku weakened slightly before making its final landfall in eastern China near Wenzhou on September 7. There, the storm produced a record wind gust of 204 km/h (127 mph), and just south of the city, high waves destroyed several piers and a large boat. High rainfall and winds from Sinlaku destroyed 58,000 houses, and large areas of crops were destroyed. Damage in China was estimated at $709 million, and there were 28 deaths there.