Typhoon Soulik (2013) facts for kids

Typhoon Soulik was a powerful typhoon that caused damage to China, Japan, Philippines and Taiwan in 2013. It brought strong winds and heavy rain, impacting many people and places.

What is a Typhoon?

A typhoon is a type of very strong storm that forms over warm ocean waters. It's like a giant spinning top of clouds and thunderstorms. These storms are called "typhoons" in the western Pacific Ocean. In other parts of the world, they are known as hurricanes or cyclones.

How Typhoons Form

Typhoons need warm ocean water, at least 26.5 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit), to form and grow. They also need moist air and light winds high up in the atmosphere. When these conditions are just right, a low-pressure area can start to spin. As it spins faster, it pulls in more warm, moist air, making the storm stronger.

Typhoon Categories

Typhoons are measured by how fast their winds blow. The stronger the winds, the higher the category. Soulik was a very strong typhoon, meaning it had extremely fast winds. These powerful winds can cause a lot of destruction, like knocking down trees and damaging buildings.

Typhoon Soulik's Journey

Typhoon Soulik began as a tropical depression on July 7, 2013. It formed in the western Pacific Ocean. Over the next few days, it quickly grew stronger.

Path of the Storm

Soulik moved west-northwest across the ocean. It passed near the Mariana Islands and then headed towards Taiwan. As it got closer to Taiwan, it became a very powerful typhoon.

Impact on Taiwan

Soulik made landfall in Taiwan on July 13. It brought extremely strong winds and heavy rainfall. Many areas experienced power outages, and trees were knocked down. Roads were blocked by debris and landslides. Sadly, some people were injured, and there was damage to homes and farms.

Damage in Taipei

The capital city of Taipei also felt the typhoon's force. Strong winds shattered windows and caused damage to buildings. The heavy rain led to flooding in some streets. Emergency services worked hard to help people and clear up the damage.

Soulik's Effects on China

After leaving Taiwan, Typhoon Soulik moved towards mainland China. It weakened a bit as it crossed land, but still brought strong winds and heavy rain to coastal areas. Provinces like Fujian and Zhejiang were affected. Authorities had to evacuate thousands of people to keep them safe from floods and landslides.

Other Affected Countries

While Taiwan and China faced the direct impact, Soulik also brought heavy rain and strong waves to other nearby countries. The Philippines experienced increased rainfall, which led to some flooding. Japan, especially its southern islands, also saw rough seas and some rain from the typhoon.

After the Storm

After Typhoon Soulik passed, people began the long process of cleaning up and rebuilding. Governments and aid organizations provided help to those affected. It took time for communities to recover from the damage caused by the powerful storm.

Images for kids

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  Typhoon Soulik seen from the International Space Station on July 11

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  Typhoon Soulik approaching Taiwan on July 12

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  Damage caused by Soulik in Taipei