Wikipedia:Today's featured article/February 25, 2013

Typhoon Chataan is the deadliest natural disaster in the history of Chuuk, a state in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The typhoon formed on June 28, 2002, near the FSM, and for several days it meandered while producing heavy rainfall across the region. On Chuuk, the highest 24-hour precipitation total was 506 mm (19.9 in), greater than the average monthly total. The rain produced floods up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) deep, causing landslides that killed 47 people. There was also one death on nearby Pohnpei, and damage in the FSM totaled over $100 million. After affecting the FSM, Chataan began a northwest track as an intensifying typhoon. Its eye passed just north of Guam on July 4, though the eyewall moved across the island and dropped heavy rainfall (pictured), causing significant damage to property and some injuries. Typhoon Chataan attained its peak intensity of 175 km/h (110 mph) on July 8. It weakened while turning to the north, and after diminishing to a tropical storm Chataan struck eastern Japan on July 10, flooding more than 10,000 houses and causing damage of about $500 million. The name Chataan means "rainy day" in the Chamorro language, which is spoken on Guam. (Full article...)

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