Cause of Typhoon in the Philippines, Taiwan and China

What is Typhoon?

A typhoon is a type of tropical cyclone that forms over warm tropical waters and is characterized by low air pressure, strong winds, and heavy rain. It is a powerful storm system with a spiral or circular structure, where winds can span hundreds of kilometers or miles. Typhoons are known for their high winds, which can exceed 240 km/h (150 miles per hour) in severe cases, accompanied by heavy rains and storm surges that can elevate the sea surface by up to 6 meters (20 feet) above normal levels.
Typhoons typically occur in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, between 180° and 100°E in the Northern Hemisphere, and are known by different names in different regions. In the North Atlantic and eastern North Pacific, they are called hurricanes, while in the western North Pacific, they are referred to as typhoons. In the western South Pacific and the Indian Ocean, they are simply called tropical cyclones.
The formation of a typhoon involves the combination of warm tropical oceans, moisture, and relatively light winds, which can lead to the development of violent winds, large waves, torrential rains, and floods.

Typhoon in Philippines

Typhoon Gaemi has caused significant destruction in the Philippines, leading to at least 21 fatalities and the evacuation of over 500,000 people. The storm has brought heavy rainfall, triggering severe flooding and landslides across the country. In Manila, floodwaters reached heights comparable to single-story buildings, and a tanker capsized in Manila Bay, potentially causing one of the most significant oil spills in Philippine history. The government has declared a state of emergency in the capital, and rescue efforts are underway to address the disaster.

Cause of Typhoon in the Philippines

Here are the 5 reasons why Philippines is prone to typhoons

1. Warm ocean waters: The Philippines faces the western Pacific with warm, equatorial waters that power storms. The ocean temperatures are above 28°C (82.4°F), which is the minimum required for typhoon formation.
2. Coastal geography: A large portion of the Philippine population lives on low-lying coastal islands, with over 60% living in coastal zones. This makes them highly vulnerable to storm surges and flooding.
3. Deforestation: Denuded hillsides with fewer tree roots are more prone to mudslides during heavy rainfall brought by typhoons. Deforestation has exacerbated the impact of typhoons in the Philippines.
4. Location on the Pacific Ring of Fire: The Philippines is situated on the Pacific’s earthquake and volcano Ring of Fire, which contributes to the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions in addition to typhoons.
5. Poverty and underdevelopment: The combination of a young, poor population shifting to coastal regions and inadequate infrastructure and evacuation plans has increased the Philippines’ risk of coastal flooding and typhoon-related disasters.

Top 10 Strongest Typhoon in the Philippines with Dates

Here are the top 10 strongest typhoons in the Philippines, with just the name and date:

Typhoon in Taiwan

Typhoon Gaemi, also known as Carina, made landfall in northeastern Taiwan early on Thursday, causing significant destruction and loss of life. Here is a brief overview of the current situation:

• Fatalities and Injuries: At least two people have been killed, and hundreds more injured due to the typhoon’s strong winds and heavy rainfall.
• Flooding and Landslides: Taiwan has experienced widespread flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous regions. The capital, Taipei, has seen light rain and sporadic gusts of wind, but the more remote and mountainous areas are at higher risk.
• Impact on Daily Life: Schools, offices, and financial markets have been closed, and many flights have been canceled. The typhoon has also disrupted ongoing military drills and prompted authorities to adjust air and naval elements.
• Cleanup Efforts: Cleanup operations are underway, with the focus on restoring infrastructure and assisting those affected by the storm. The typhoon is noted as the most powerful to hit Taiwan in eight years.
• Future Impact: The storm is expected to continue to bring strong winds and downpours to eastern provinces of China, where it will weaken further before dissipating.

Overall, Typhoon Gaemi has brought significant disruption and damage to Taiwan, with cleanup and recovery efforts ongoing.

Cause of Typhoon in the Taiwan

1. Rapid Intensification: Typhoon Gaemi intensified rapidly, exceeding the definition of rapid intensification by 96 kph (60 mph) in 24 hours. This rapid strengthening was attributed to the warm Pacific waters, which have been at their warmest temperatures on record due to climate change.
2. Seasonal Monsoon Rains: The typhoon enhanced the seasonal monsoon rains, leading to heavy rainfall and flooding in Taiwan and other affected regions.
3. Mountainous Terrain: The mountainous terrain of Taiwan altered the typhoon’s path slightly southward towards Hualien City, contributing to the storm’s impact on the island.
4. Historic Weather Conditions: Taiwan had experienced weeks of extreme rain and deadly flooding prior to the typhoon, making the island more vulnerable to the storm’s effects.
5. Climate Change: The hotter oceans caused by the climate crisis are leading to more intense and rapidly strengthening storms, contributing to the severity of Typhoon Gaemi.

Typhoon in China

Typhoon Haikui has been causing significant disruptions in China, particularly in the southern regions. The storm initially made landfall in Taiwan, where it brought heavy rains and strong winds, leading to flooding and evacuations. Haikui then moved to China’s southeastern Fujian province, causing further flooding and displacement. In Shenzhen, the city experienced its heaviest rain since records began in 1952, while Hong Kong faced its worst storm in 140 years. The typhoon has also led to the cancellation of domestic flights and the evacuation of thousands of people in Taiwan. Despite weakening to a tropical storm, Haikui continues to cause significant damage and disruption across the region.

Cause of Typhoon in the China

The causes of Typhoon Gaemi in China include:

1. Warm Sea Surface Temperatures: Typhoons require warm sea surface temperatures to develop and intensify. Gaemi formed in an area with sufficiently warm waters, which provided the necessary energy for its growth.
2. Atmospheric Instability: The presence of atmospheric instability, characterized by high humidity in the lower-to-middle levels of the troposphere, contributed to the storm’s development and strengthening.
3. Coriolis Effect: The Coriolis effect, which is stronger over land, helped Gaemi develop a low-pressure center, a crucial requirement for a typhoon.
4. Pre-Existing Low-Level Focus or Disturbance: The storm likely formed around a pre-existing low-level focus or disturbance, which provided a starting point for its development.
5. Low Vertical Wind Shear: Gaemi benefited from low vertical wind shear, which allowed it to maintain its intensity and structure as it moved across the region.

These factors combined to create the conditions necessary for Typhoon Gaemi to form and intensify, ultimately causing significant damage and disruption across China, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

FAQs on Cause of Typhoon in the Philippines, Taiwan and China

Why is typhoon common in the Philippines?

The Philippines is located in the western Pacific Ocean, which is the most active region for tropical cyclone formation in the world. Nearly one-third of the world's tropical cyclones form in this area. The Philippines straddles the typhoon belt and experiences an average of 20 typhoons per year, with about 8 or 9 making landfall annually. The peak typhoon season is from July through October, when nearly 70% of all typhoons develop in the region. The most frequently impacted areas of the Philippines are northern and central Luzon and eastern Visayas.

What was the wind speed of the typhoon in Taiwan?

The search results do not provide specific information about the wind speed of a typhoon in Taiwan. However, they mention that after Typhoon Morakot landed in Taiwan in 2009, it brought record-breaking heavy rain, with rainfall in Pingtung County reaching 2,327 millimeters (91.6 inches), making it the wettest known typhoon in Taiwan.

How are typhoons formed in the Philippines?

The search results do not directly explain how typhoons form in the Philippines. However, they provide some context on the frequency and seasonality of typhoons in the region. Typhoons form year-round in the western Pacific, with peak months from August to October. The area just northeast of the Philippines is the most active place on Earth for tropical cyclones to exist.

How many typhoons are there each year in Taiwan?

The search results do not specify the average number of typhoons that affect Taiwan each year. They focus more on the Philippines, mentioning that the Philippines experiences an average of 20 typhoons per year, with about 8 or 9 making landfall annually.

Do typhoons affect China?

Yes, typhoons do affect China. The search results mention that the deadliest typhoon of the 20th century was Typhoon Nina, which killed nearly 100,000 people in China in 1975 due to a flood that caused 12 reservoirs to fail.

Is China at risk of typhoons?

Yes, China is at risk of typhoons. The western Pacific Ocean, where China is located, is the most active region for tropical cyclone formation in the world. While the search results do not provide specific details on the risk to China, they highlight the high frequency and intensity of typhoons in the region, which can impact China as well as other countries.