Tag Archives: Typhoon Usagi

2013’s Strongest Typhoon Hit Philippines

Philippines was hit by this year’s strongest typhoon called Typhoon Haiyan. 

At least four people were reported killed by during this massive disaster but the death toll could rise when the authorities can reach the badly hit areas. 

The strong winds and heavy rains from the typhoon causes floods and landslides, destroying buildings, plants and roads.

Typhoon Haiyan is the second category 5 typhoon to hit the Philippines this year after Typhoon Usagi in September.

Aldczar Aurelio of the government’s weather bureau said Typhoon Haiyan had sustained winds of 235 kph (147 mph) with gusts of 275 kph (170 mph) when it made landfall, making it the strongest typhoon this year.

“The super typhoon likely made landfall with winds near 195 mph or 314 kph . This makes Haiyan the strongest tropical cyclone on record to make landfall,” said Jeff Masters, director of meteorology at U.S.-based Weather Underground.

The huge, fast-paced Typhoon Haiyan raced across a string of islands from east to west.

After lashing the central islands of Samar and Leyte with 275-kph (170 mph) wind gusts and causing waves as high as 5-6 meter (15-19 ft), it lashed Cebu and Panay with over 200 kilometer (125 mile) per hour winds.

Nearly 720,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes.

Power and communications in the three large islands of Samar, Leyte and Bohol were almost completely down but authorities promised to restore them within 24 hours.

Weather Underground’s Masters said that the world’s strongest recorded typhoon, cyclone or hurricane to make landfall was Hurrican Camille in 1969, which hit the southern U.S. state of Mississippi with 305 kph (190 mph) winds, said .

The state weather bureau said Haiyan was expected to move past the Philippines on Saturday and out over the South China Sea, where it could strengthen even further and hit Vietnam.

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Photos: Typhoon Usagi Hit Southern China, 25 Killed

Typhoon Usagi slammed into southern China on Sunday evening. 

Nanfang Daily reported that the typhoon made a landfall at 7:40 p.m. yesterday in Shanwei city in Guangdong province after veered away from Hong Kong at the last minute.

Australia Network News reported that at least twenty-five people were killed in the China’s southern coast, including thirteen in Shanwei which is in the eastern fringes of Guangdong province. 

The typhoon brings very strong wind, storm surge and heavy rains that could cause flooding and landslides.

Xinhua reported that in Shanwei city, the strong winds blew cars off the road near a gas station and houses were toppled.

Flights to and from Hong Kong and three mainland airports were canceled.

Ferry services around the area were also canceled, while Fujian province suspended shipping between mainland China and Taiwan.

Xinhua reported that intercity trains including the high-speed rail to Beijing, Shenzhen and Hong Kong would remain suspended until Tuesday.

Thousands of people were evacuated from coastal areas and temporary shelters were opened.

Hong Kong delayed the opening of markets, banks and schools.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. said it scrapped morning trading Monday.

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