The storm brought catastrophic damage to the island, leaving 461 dead and another 192 listed as missing and believed dead weeks later.

Damage in excess of $3 billion was reported across Taiwan, where nearly 2,000 homes were destroyed.

Taiwan’s president Ma Ying-jeou faced harsh criticism for the initial slow response to the disaster. Eventually 46,000 soldiers were dispatched to rescue trapped residents or recover their bodies.

Rescue crews were able to retrieve thousands of trapped residents from villages and isolated towns buried by landslides across the island.

Weather officials said Morakot produced a record rainfall total of 109.3 inches during its passage over Taiwan, which was far higher than the 68.3 inches of rainfall brought by Typhoon Herb in August 1996.

Morakot means "turquoise" in the Thai language.

Typhoon Morakot Track

Satellite Loop Data: CIMSS