Typhoon Chataan
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| Typhoon (JMA) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 4 super typhoon (SSHS) | |||
 Super Typhoon Chataan at peak intensity on July 8, 2002 |
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| Formed | June 28, 2002 | ||
| Dissipated | July 11, 2002 | ||
| Highest winds |
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| Lowest pressure | 930 mbar (hPa) | ||
| Damage | $59.8+ million (2002 USD) | ||
| Fatalities | 44 direct | ||
| Areas affected |
Guam, Chuuk | ||
| Part of the 2002 Pacific typhoon season |
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Typhoon Chataan (international designation: 0206, JTWC designation: 08W, named Typhoon Gloria by PAGASA in the Philippines and sometimes called Super Typhoon Chataan) was the 8th tropical depression (08W), the 6th named storm, and the 4th typhoon of the 2002 Pacific typhoon season. The name of the typhoon is the Chamorro word for rain.
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[edit] Storm history
An area of convection developed from the monsoon trough on June 27 175 miles east-southeast of Chuuk. It rapidly consolidated throughout the day, and became Tropical Depression 08W early on June 28. The depression drifted to the northwest, then eastward as it remained in the trough. After a burst of deep convection, the system was upgraded to Tropical Storm Chataan on June 29 while 160 miles west-southwest of Pohnpei.
Chataan stalled and drifted to the northwest, slowly organizing as it escaped from the monsoon trough. On July 2, it passed directly over the Chuuk Islands, causing torrential rainfall there. The subtropical ridge strengthened over the Marianas Islands, forcing Chataan to the northwest. The storm finally exhibited an organization trend, and Chataan became a typhoon on the 3rd. On the 4th, the 100 mph typhoon crossed northern Guam, the first direct hit since Typhoon Paka of 1997.
After passing through the islands of the West Pacific, Chataan steadily strengthened, reaching a primary peak of 130 mph winds on July 5. Soon after, dry air and upper level shear weakened the storm. As it turned more to the north, Chataan restrengthened, and reached a peak of 150 mph winds on the 7th, the 3rd super typhoon of the year. The shear returned, and Chataan quickly weakened. On July 10, while heading to the northeast, 65 mph Tropical Storm Chataan crossed over southeastern Japan, and became extratropical shortly thereafter.
[edit] Impact
While crossing the Chuuk islands as a tropical storm, Chataan caused heavy rain and mudslides, killing 37 people. Over 1300 people were left homeless, and crop damage was severe, leading to a food shortage.
Later, when Chataan crossed Guam, the typhoon caused widespread damage to crops and structures. Damage was estimated at $59.8 million (2002 USD). However, damage was lighter than expected for a Category 3 typhoon. No cars were flipped over, and instead of the typical 10/100 ratio for coconut trees being destroyed, only 1/100 were.
The typhoon caused a surge in the monsoon trough over the Philippines, causing heavy flooding and mudslides. 64 people had died there by the end of July from the monsoon rains of Chataan and another storm, Nakri.
In Japan, Chataan caused 7 casualties from the heavy rains, as well as a disruption in the domestic transportation.
Because of Chataan's death toll and damage, the name was retired and replaced with Matmo. The name PAGASA gave to Chataan while active, Gloria, was also retired and was replaced in 2006 with Glenda.
