Effects of Typhoon Bopha in the Caroline Islands

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Typhoon Bopha
Bopha strengthening over Micronesia on December 1
Meteorological history
DateNovember 25 — December 3, 2012
Very strong typhoon
10-minute sustained (JMA)
Highest winds185 km/h (115 mph)
Lowest pressure945 hPa (mbar); 27.91 inHg
Category 4-equivalent super typhoon
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds250 km/h (155 mph)
Lowest pressure922 hPa (mbar); 27.23 inHg
Overall effects
FatalitiesNone
Damage$10.1 million (2012 USD)
Areas affectedCaroline Islands
Part of the 2012 Pacific typhoon season

The effects of Typhoon Bopha in the Caroline Islands were significant, though limited in extent in comparison to the cyclone's intensity. Typhoon Bopha originated from a tropical depression south of Pohnpei on November 25, 2012, and tracked generally westward for more than a week. During this time, it threatened several islands across Micronesia, prompting the issuance of typhoon watches and warnings. The system skirted the Nomoi Islands on November 28 where it caused limited damage. Thereafter, it became a threat to Palau as an intense typhoon. Residents there boarded up their homes and some evacuated to public shelters while officials enacted a strict curfew during the typhoon's passage. Bopha passed 55 km (34 mi) south of Angaur island, or 100 km (62 mi) south of Babeldaob, on December 2 with winds of 185 km/h (115 mph).[nb 1]

Damage was most severe in the states of Angaur, Melekeok, Ngiwal, and Ngaraard where storm surge damaged or destroyed many homes. Electricity and water service in many areas was lost during the storm, and remained so for over a week in the hardest hit areas. Throughout Palau, 92 homes were destroyed while 59 others sustained severe damage. Total damage amounted to US$10.1 million with repair costs estimated at US$15–20 million. A state of emergency was declared on December 5 while the Palau Red Cross Society assisted with recovery efforts. Palau's congress allocated US$10 million for relief while international donors provided a collective US$235,000 in aid.

Background[edit]

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On November 25, 2012, a tropical depression developed to the south of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia.[1] Initially tracking northwest and later due west under the influence of a strong subtropical ridge to its north,[2] the system intensified into a tropical storm the following day at which time it received the name Bopha.[1] The storm passed roughly 65 km (40 mi) south of the Nomoi Islands early on November 28. After slowly intensifying for several days Bopha underwent a period of rapid intensification from November 30 to December 1, with its central pressure falling from 990 mbar (hPa; 29.23 inHg) to 945 mbar (hPa; 27.91 inHg). The system reached its initial peak intensity on December 2 with winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.[1] The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) estimated Bopha to have been a much stronger storm, with one-minute sustained winds of 250 km/h (160 mph), a high-end Category 4 on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS).[3]

Around 06:00 UTC, Bopha passed 100 km (62 mi) south of Babeldaob island in Palau while at its initial peak. Shortly thereafter it made its closest approach the nation, tracking roughly 55 km (34 mi) south of Angaur island. After clearing Palau, Bopha ultimately intensified further before making landfall on Mindanao in the Philippines. The JTWC estimated its peak intensity at 280 km/h (170 mph), a Category 5 on the SSHWS.[1] The storm resulted in up to 1,901 fatalities in the country and immenseinfrastructural damage.[4] Land interaction substantially weakened the system by the time it emerged over the Sulu Sea. Turning north, Bopha briefly weakened to a tropical storm on December 6 before undergoing another period of rapid intensification. After reaching its tertiary peak on December 7,[1] hostile wind shear caused dramatic weakening.[5] In a 24‑hour span, the typhoon's central pressure rose by 55 mbar (hPa; 1.62 inHg) while its winds fell from 170 to 75 km/h (106 to 47 mph). Bopha soon degraded to a tropical depression and dissipated off the northwestern coast of Luzon early on December 9.[1]

Preparations[edit]

Tropical Storm Bopha organizing near Micronesia on November 28

Upon the Joint Typhoon Warning Center's declaration of Tropical Depression 26W on November 26, a tropical storm watch was issued for Nukuoro and Lukunor in the FSM.[6] Hours later, the watch was superseded by a tropical storm warning while new watches were declared for Losap and Chuuk.[7] The watch was expanded during the afternoon of November 27 to include Poluwat.[8] As the storm moved westward through the FSM and intensified on November 28, a typhoon watch was issued for Woleai; tropical storm warnings for the Nomoi Islands, Poluwat, and Satawal; a tropical storm watch was also put in place for Faraulep.[9][10] Throughout November 29, watches and warnings were discontinued across the FSM, with all being canceled by the evening hours.[11] During the morning of November 30, the remaining advisories were discontinued; however, new typhoon watches were issued for Koror, Ngulu Atoll, and a tropical storm watch for Yap and Sonsorol.[12]

Prior to the storm's arrival, the Micronesia Red Cross Society began stockpiling relief materials on Yap and Chuuk. Emergency communication testing, via satellite phones, was also conducted with regional offices. On November 30, residents in Palau were urged to secure their homes in preparation for the typhoon.[13] They were also advised to stock up on emergency supplies that would last for at least three days.[14] The storm delayed shipment of emergency food supplies to a boarding school on a remote island in Micronesia.[15]

Beginning on November 27 and continuing through December 3, the National Emergency Management Office in Palau issued more than ten detailed public announcements warning residents of the approaching storm and how to prepare. In response, numerous families boarded up their homes and sought refuge in the 45 public shelters opened across the republic. On December 1, a United States Navy vessel arrived in Palau in case requests for assistance were made after the storm. As a precautionary measure, the nations electric grid was shut down at 6:00 p.m. local time on December 2. All flights to and from Roman Tmetuchl International Airport were suspended during the morning of December 3.[16][17] A strict curfew was put in place for the city of Koror for the duration of the typhoon.[18]

Impact[edit]

The eye of Typhoon Bopha on December 2, hours after passing Palau, as seen from the International Space Station

Across Micronesia, impact from the typhoon was fairly limited.[13] Winds on Nukuoro were estimated at 45–75 km/h (28–47 mph), resulting in minor damage to buildings and crops. Losses on the atoll reached $10,000. Lukunor, located farther west, experienced similar winds; however, damage was slightly more severe. Notable coastal impact took place, with portions of the dock and sea wall damaged. Damage across Lukunor and nearby islands amounted to $20,000.[19]

During the early hours of December 3, Typhoon Bopha made its closest approach to Palau, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to much of the archipelago.[20] Winds up to 215 km/h (134 mph) impacted Angaur and 160 km/h (99 mph) in Peleliu.[21] Widespread damage took place across the republic, with the most severe occurring in the states of Angaur, Peleliu, Ngchesar, Melekeok, Ngiwal, and Ngaraard.[22] Initial assessments stated that 92 homes were destroyed and 59 others were severely damaged;[22] however, later reports stated that nearly 200 were destroyed.[23] This left roughly 350 people homeless.[21] Along eastern facing coasts, storm surge caused extensive coastal damage and, in some cases, pushed several hundred feet inland, cutting off roads and leaving behind several feet of debris.[22] Hundreds of residents were forced to evacuate to higher ground as a result of the flooding.[24] According to preliminary reports, Angaur Island experienced extensive damage from the storm. At least six homes were destroyed and travel was severely hampered due to downed trees and debris blocking roads.[16] On Peleliu, eight large coral masses were driven onto the reef surrounding the island.[24] Crops and vegetation across the island sustained heavy damage; however, most homes were reportedly "ok".[16]

On the main island of Babeldaob, the coastal states of Melekeok, Ngiwal, and Ngaraard reported that nearly all homes along the shore were damaged or destroyed by storm surge. Power and water service was almost completely lost across the three states as well.[16] In Koror, wind gusts up to 110 km/h (68 mph) downed trees and power lines.[24][25] Rainfall at the local National Weather Service office reached 84 mm (3.32 in).[21] Water and power systems across the republic were severely disrupted, with some areas remaining without service more than a week after the storm.[26] Two schools in Ngaraard also sustained severe damage. Despite the severity of the storm, there were no reports of casualties.[22] Across Palau, total damage to crops and property reached U$10.1 million while the cost to repair damage from the storm was estimated at US$15–20 million.[21][26]

Aftermath[edit]

After the storm had moved through the region on December 2, officials began allowing evacuees to return home on December 3. The same day, all airports and roads were re-opened; however, some roads on Koror remained impassable due to damage from storm surge. Additionally, electricity shut off prior to the storm was restored on Koror. On December 5, the President of Palau declared a state of emergency and US$10 million was authorized by congress for relief efforts. The Palau Red Cross Society began distributing clean-up kits and communal tools in the eastern states of Melekeok, Ngaraard, and Ngiwal by December 7. Further distributions on the southern islands of Anguar and Peleliu began the following day.[20] A week after the typhoon's passage, damage assessments across Palau had been completed and authorities had begun a large-scale reconstruction of damaged properties. The operation, known as the Bopha Catastrophe Relief Committee, was being coordinated by Dr. Patrick Tellei, president of Palau Community College.[27] The committee planned to build 30 homes across the republic: 10 in Ngaraard and 5 each in Angaur, Melekeok, Ngiwal, and Peleliu.[23] By December 12, telecommunications and water supplies were 95 percent restored while power had been brought back to 90 percent of capacity.[26] Although water had been restored to most areas by December 13, residents were advised to continue boiling water, especially in more populated locales until further notice. Schools resumed classes on December 17 across the republic; however, several institutions were either temporarily relocated or had half days due to damage from the storm.[17] On December 23, the Government of Palau announced that, "in the holiday spirit", December 24 and 31 would be declared national holidays for 2012 in light of the typhoon.[28] In some areas, residents burned vegetative debris left behind by the storm.[29]

By December 12, Palau received a US$100,000 grant from USAID and US$25,000 from the Bank of Guam for relief efforts.[26] On December 13, the Government of Japan offered ¥5 million (US$60,000) worth of emergency goods, such as jerry cans and water purifiers, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency.[30] The following day, the Republic of Korea provided US$50,000 in humanitarian assistance to Palau through the local Red Cross.[31]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ All winds are in ten-minute sustained standards unless otherwise noted.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Typhoon 201224 (Bopha) - Detailed Track Information". Japan Meteorological Agency. National Institute of Informatics. January 11, 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
  2. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Depression 26W Warning Nr 005. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (Report). United States Navy. November 26, 2012. Archived from the original on November 27, 2012. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
  3. ^ "Super Typhoon 26W (Bopha) Best Track". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. United States Navy. 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
  4. ^ SitRep No. 38 re Effects of Typhoon "Pablo" (Bopha) (PDF) (Report). National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. December 25, 2012. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
  5. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Typhoon Bopha (26W) Warning Nr 51. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (Report). United States Navy. December 8, 2012. Archived from the original on December 9, 2012. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
  6. ^ Michael G. Middlebrooke (November 26, 2012). Tropical Depression 26W Advisory Number One. National Weather Service Office in Tiyan, Guam (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on November 27, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  7. ^ Clinton G. Simpson (November 26, 2012). Tropical Depression 26W Advisory Number Two. National Weather Service Office in Tiyan, Guam (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on November 27, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  8. ^ Michael G. Middlebrooke (November 27, 2012). Tropical Storm Bopha (26W) Advisory Number Six. National Weather Service Office in Tiyan, Guam (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on November 27, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  9. ^ Derek L. Williams (November 28, 2012). Tropical Storm Bopha (26W) Advisory Number Nine. National Weather Service Office in Tiyan, Guam (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on November 28, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  10. ^ Charles P. Guard and Paul R. Stanko (November 28, 2012). Tropical Storm Bopha (26W) Advisory Number Eleven. National Weather Service Office in Tiyan, Guam (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on November 29, 2012. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  11. ^ Derek L. Williams (November 29, 2012). Tropical Storm Bopha (26W) Intermediate Advisory Number Fourteen-A. National Weather Service Office in Tiyan, Guam (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on November 29, 2012. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  12. ^ Derek L. Williams (November 30, 2012). Tropical Storm Bopha (26W) Advisory Number Eighteen. National Weather Service Office in Tiyan, Guam (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on November 30, 2012. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  13. ^ a b Federated States of Micronesia and Palau: Tropical Storm Bopha – Information Bulletin No. 1 (PDF). International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Report). ReliefWeb. November 30, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
  14. ^ Tropical Storm Bopha (26W) Update 4 (PDF). United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Report). ReliefWeb. November 30, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
  15. ^ "Micronesia on alert as Tropical Storm Bopha intensifies". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. November 28, 2012. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
  16. ^ a b c d Palau: Typhoon Bopha Situation Report No. 1 (PDF). United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Report). ReliefWeb. December 3, 2012. Retrieved December 24, 2012.
  17. ^ a b "Typhoon Bopha Update: Palau Begins Arduous Task of Rebuilding". Government of Palau. Koror, Palau: Pacific News Center. December 13, 2012. Archived from the original on June 11, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2012.
  18. ^ Reg Bennett (December 3, 2012). "Typhoon Bopha: "Strict Curfew" in Effect in Koror, Palau". Pacific News Center. Archived from the original on June 11, 2020. Retrieved December 24, 2012.
  19. ^ National Weather Service Office in Guam (2013). Micronesia Event Report: Tropical Storm. National Climatic Data Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  20. ^ a b Palau: Typhoon Bopha Information Bulletin Number 2 (PDF). International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Report). ReliefWeb. December 7, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
  21. ^ a b c d National Weather Service Office in Guam (2013). Palau Event Report: Hurricane. National Climatic Data Center (Report). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 3, 2015.
  22. ^ a b c d Palau: Typhoon Bopha Situation Report Number 2 (PDF). United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Report). ReliefWeb. December 5, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
  23. ^ a b Aurea Gerundio-Dizon (December 13, 2012). "Palau Authorities To Rebuild 30 Houses After Typhoon". Koror, Palau: Pacific Islands Development Program. Archived from the original on December 24, 2012. Retrieved December 24, 2012.
  24. ^ a b c Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno (December 4, 2012). "Palau assesses Typhoon Bopha's damage". Guam Pacific Daily News. Archived from the original on December 21, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
  25. ^ Jim Andrews (December 3, 2012). "Typhoon Bopha Danger to Southeast Philippines". Accuweather. Retrieved December 24, 2012.
  26. ^ a b c d Armando Cordoba (December 12, 2012). "Restoration in Palau may cost $20M". Guam Pacific Daily News. Archived from the original on December 21, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
  27. ^ "Large scale reconstruction efforts underway in typhoon damaged Palau". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. ReliefWeb. December 11, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
  28. ^ Aurea Gerundio-Dizon (December 23, 2012). "Extra holidays for gov't employees declared". Island Times. Archived from the original on December 24, 2012. Retrieved December 24, 2012.(subscription required)
  29. ^ Dance Aoki (December 30, 2012). "Palau seeks typhoon relief: Islands' food crops damaged". Pacific Sunday News. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  30. ^ "Emergency Assistance to the Republic of Palau for Typhoon Disaster". Government of Japan. ReliefWeb. December 13, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
  31. ^ "ROK to Provide Typhoon-struck Palau with US$50,000 in Humanitarian Assistance". Government of the Republic of Korea. ReliefWeb. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
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