In the wake of Typhoon Doksuri’s devastating impact on the Philippines, Taiwan, and China, a new storm named Typhoon Khanun emerges as a potential disaster for the Western Pacific region. Satellite imagery from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on NOAA-20 shows Typhoon Khanun intensifying over the Pacific Ocean, raising concerns for China’s coast south of Shanghai. Predictive models indicate that Khanun may slow or stall near Okinawa, Japan, before potentially making landfall in China’s Zhejiang Province. The region, still recovering from the aftermath of Typhoon Doksuri, faces the possibility of heavy rains, strong winds, and storm tides as Khanun approaches. Despite being rated as a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, the scale alone cannot fully predict the overall severity of the storm, especially in terms of flooding and storm surge. Consequently, preparations and emergency responses are being activated in the affected areas to mitigate potential damage and loss of life.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Typhoon Khanun
Q: What is the current situation in the Western Pacific regarding typhoons?
A: As of July 31, 2023, the Western Pacific region is facing the aftermath of Typhoon Doksuri, which caused widespread destruction in the Philippines, Taiwan, and China. Now, a new storm named Typhoon Khanun is intensifying and threatens to cause further damage in the area.
Q: How has Typhoon Khanun been observed and tracked?
A: Typhoon Khanun has been observed intensifying over the Pacific Ocean through satellite imagery captured by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) aboard the NOAA-20 satellite. The satellite image was taken on July 31, 2023, at 1:20 p.m. Japan Standard Time.
Q: What is the predicted trajectory and potential impact of Typhoon Khanun?
A: Predictive models suggest that Typhoon Khanun’s trajectory points at China’s coast, south of Shanghai, but it is moving more slowly than previously forecast. The typhoon is expected to slow or stall near Okinawa, Japan, and then linger offshore of China for several days. Okinawa is bracing for a category 2 or stronger storm at its closest passage, expected sometime around August 1, 2023, with heavy rain, strong winds, and storm tides. China could see a lower-intensity landfall several days later, with preparations being activated in Zhejiang Province in anticipation of storm surge.
Q: What are the categories of typhoons according to the Saffir-Simpson scale?
A: Typhoons are categorized based on their wind speed and potential for damage using the Saffir-Simpson scale. The scale has five categories:
- Category 1: Wind speeds of 74-95 mph (119-153 kph).
- Category 2: Wind speeds of 96-110 mph (154-177 kph).
- Category 3 (Major): Wind speeds of 111-129 mph (178-208 kph).
- Category 4 (Major): Wind speeds of 130-156 mph (209-251 kph).
- Category 5 (Major): Wind speeds of 157 mph (252 kph) or higher.
Q: How severe was the impact of Typhoon Doksuri on the affected regions?
A: Typhoon Doksuri caused dozens of deaths in the Philippines due to landslides, flooding, and a capsized passenger ship. Thousands of people were displaced. Taiwan experienced up to 700 millimeters (28 inches) of rain in some areas. When Doksuri made landfall in China near Xiamen and Quanzhou, over 400,000 people evacuated from coastal areas. The storm then proceeded northward, causing severe flooding in Beijing, approximately 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) away from Quanzhou, with some areas receiving 580 millimeters (23 inches) of rain.
Q: What should the affected regions do to prepare for Typhoon Khanun?
A: The affected regions should closely monitor updates from weather authorities, follow evacuation orders if issued, and take necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property. Preparations should include securing loose objects, reinforcing buildings, and preparing emergency supplies.
More about Typhoon Khanun
- NOAA-20 Satellite: NOAA-20 Satellite
- Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS): VIIRS
- Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale: Saffir-Simpson scale
- Typhoon Doksuri Impacts: Typhoon Doksuri Impacts
- China Zhejiang Province Emergency Response: China Zhejiang Province Emergency Response
- Typhoon Khanun Preparations: Typhoon Khanun Preparations
