On September 4, 2002, Typhoon Sinlaku passed directly above the Japan’s Okinawan island chain, generating winds of 145 kph (90 mph) and torrential rains. The typhoon knocked out electricity to tens of thousands of homes, injured 25 residents, and possibly killed five Filipino sailors. Currently, the typhoon is making its way toward Taiwan, packing sustained winds of 104 miles (167 kilometers) per hour. Taiwanese residents are shoring up their houses with sand bags and pulling their boats out of the water.
Image courtesy Jacques Descloitres, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team at NASA GSFC.
