Typhoon is another name of the same weather phenomena called tropical cyclone in the Indian Ocean or Hurricane in the Atlantic or Typhoon in the North Pacific Ocean. Typhoon occurs in the Northwest Pacific Ocean between 180°E to 100°E. Typhoon or cyclonic storms are most active in this region. The Typhoon occurs throughout the year, as a result there is no specific Typhoon season in the northwest Pacific Ocean.
what causes typhoons
Typhoons are formed due to the presence of higher surface water temperature, Coriolis forces, high difference of temperature between the sea surface and the above atmosphere, atmospheric instability, and high humidity. Philippines, Japan, and China are the three countries, which mostly get affected by Typhoons throughout the year.
Recent Typhoons
Typhoon Haiyan, 2013, appeared on 3 November and dissipated on 11 November. This was a category 5 Typhoon with a wind intensity of 145 mph and lowest pressure of 895 mbar causing damages worth $ 2.86 billion and killing more than 6,000 people. The areas affected by this typhoon were Micronesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Southern China.
Typhoon Halong, 2014, was a very intense typhoon of northwest Pacific Ocean. It was formed on 27 July and dissipated on 15 August. This category 5 typhoon had a wind speed of 120mph and lowest pressure of 920 mbar. This typhoon killed about 12 people and damaged properties worth $ 3.88 million. It affected areas of Philippines, Japan, Siberia, and Mariana Islands.
Typhoon Vongfong, 2014, another category 5 typhoon of the current year appeared on 2 October and disappeared by 14 October. This typhoon reached its peak with a wind speed of 130 mph and lowest pressure of 900 mbar. This typhoon caused damages worth $58 million in the affected areas of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Carolina Islands, and Mariana Islands.
Typhoon Nuri, 2014, a category 5 typhoon based on Saffir-Simpson wind scale, formed on 30 October and dissipated on 7 November. This is the second most intense typhoon in the world in 2014 with a wind speed of 120 mph and central pressure of 910 mbar. It mainly affected Japan but no major causality or damage has been reported.
Preventive Measures for Typhoons
Most of the Typhoons occurring in the northwest Pacific Ocean are intense, thus advance warning about the possible intensity of storm should be provided to the locals and if required timely evacuation should be done. Locals should stock themselves with enough food and potable water to survive the after effects of the heavy storm and flood.
Hurricane Gustav & Tropical Storm Hanna