Typhoon Nanmadol

Typhoon Nanmadol struck the Philippines on Friday 26th August 2011 killing 16 people. The category 4 storm which was recorded to have wind speeds of up to 250 km per hour (155 miles per hour), caused numerous landslides and floods in northern Luzon, where all 16 victims lost their lives. According to reports, two children were killed when a landslide struck the city’s rubbish dump.

The typhoon also injured over 20 people and destroyed and flooded numerous main roads and bridges. 1000 houses were also damaged or destroyed. Over 50,000 people had to evacuate their homes due to the fear of flooding and landslides. Officials claim that the death toll may rise over the next few days. The cost of damage was estimated at US$ 33,711,271 in the Philippines.

Typhoon Nanmadol then headed towards Taiwan on Monday, where one person was killed. It lost strength and was downgraded to a category 1 and eventually a tropical storm while passing over southern and eastern Taiwan. According to the weather bureau in Taiwan, over 350mm of rainfall was recorded in 24 hours. Although no damage was reported in Taiwan; 8000 people were evacuated and schools, businesses as well as transport were shut down or disrupted due to the heavy rainfall that triggered floods and landslides. Over 30,000 houses were left without power in the south and east regions. There were also reports of more than 300 villagers being trapped in landslides. The total cost of damage to the agriculture sector in Taiwan was estimated at US$800,000.

Preparations were underway in China before Nanmadol was forecast to hit on Tuesday. Authorities declared a red alert and emergency services were put on stand by. Over 100,000 people were evacuated and moved to higher ground and numerous fishing boats were called back to the port due to danger from 3 meter high waves, which were amplified by high tides. Dams, roads and railways were also inspected to ensure they could cope with the forecast rainfall and floods. 160 houses were destroyed, 2 people lost their lives and 20 people were injured due to floods and landslides. Reports also claim that 6 people were missing and 4600 hectares of crops were destroyed.

Over the next few days the total cost of the damage caused by Nanmadol, as well as the total death toll will become clear.

By Saajeda Bandali