Typhoon Toraji (2001)

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Typhoon Toraji, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Isang, was one of the deadliest tropical cyclones to hit the island country of Taiwan, since 1961. The eight named storm and the third typhoon of the 2001 Pacific typhoon season, Toraji originated from an area of convection that persisted to the west of Guam. Moving north-northwestward over favorable conditions, the disturbance intensified to a tropical depression, while the JTWC issued a TCFA on the newly developed system. On July 26, the depression entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility, with the PAGASA naming it Isang. Strong easterly wind shear inhibited further development; however, as the shear relaxed, both the JTWC and PAGASA upgraded the system to a tropical storm with also the JMA following suit hours later. Now named Toraji, the storm slowly intensified, reaching typhoon status on the next day. Toraji continued to gain strength until it made landfall as a Category 2 typhoon near Taipei on July 29. Despite the rugged terrains of the country, the JTWC upgraded the system further to a Category 3, shortly before weakening as it moved offshore on Taiwan Strait. The JMA and PAGASA downgraded the typhoon to a tropical storm, with the latter issuing their final advisory as it moved out of their AOR. It continued to weaken, with the JTWC also downgrading the system to a tropical storm, before making landfall near Fuzhou on July 31 before it was last noted by the next day. As Toraji hit southern Taiwan, it triggered landslides that destroyed houses. There were reports of flooding throughout the country and the nearby areas of Fuzhou City. Damages attributed from Toraji were estimated at $245 million (2001 USD) and there were over 200 individuals killed.