Typhoon Betty (1987)

Typhoon Betty (Herming)
Typhoon (JMA scale)
Category 5 (Saffir–Simpson scale)

Super Typhoon Betty at peak intensity
Formed August 8, 1987
Dissipated August 17, 1987
Highest winds 10-minute sustained: 205 km/h (125 mph)
1-minute sustained: 260 km/h (160 mph)
Lowest pressure 890 hPa (mbar); 26.28 inHg
Fatalities 92 total
Damage $100 million (1987 USD)
Areas affected Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand
Part of the 1987 Pacific typhoon season

Typhoon Betty, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Herming,[1] was a powerful and destructive tropical cyclone that struck the Philippines in August 1987. The seventh typhoon and second super typhoon of the active typhoon season, it formed from the monsoon trough that spawned a tropical cyclone on August 8 while around positioned well to the east of the Philippines. It drifted northwestward, becoming a tropical storm on August 9 and a typhoon on August 10. Betty turned westward, where it rapidly intensified before attaining peak intensity on August 11. The next day, Typhoon Betty made landfall in the central Philippines. Betty weakened rapidly over the country, but restrengthened somewhat over the South China Sea. Land interaction weakened Betty slightly before it hit central Vietnam on August 16. The next day, Betty dissipated.

Across the Philippines, Typhoon Betty brought widespread flooding, which resulted in severe destruction. Damage added up to $100 million (1987 USD). In the Maguindanao and Albay provinces alone, 10,000 people were evacuated and 1,000 were homeless. However, the capital city of Manila avoided any serious damage. Nationwide, around 200,000 people were reportedly homeless, 18,000 of winch were from Marinduque and another 11,400 resided on Mindoro Island. In the former, 4,000 dwellings sustained damage, and all of the banana crop there was lost. In all, 25,518 homes received damage. Roughly 400,000 people were directly affected by the storm. Overall, 85 people were killed and 324 others were wounded. After striking the Philippines, six people were killed by Betty in Vietnam. Approximately 10,000 structures were damaged and 103 people were injured. Elsewhere, in northern Thailand, one person was killed and three others were hurt by the typhoon. Several villages were flooded, and numerous streets were damaged.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the track and intensity of the storm according to the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale

The origins of Typhoon Betty can be traced back to a tropical disturbance that was embedded in the monsoon trough on August 7, which extended from the Marshall Islands westward to the Philippines. Intensity estimates via the Dvorak technique yielded winds of 50 km/h (30 mph) around 65 km (40 mi) north-northwest of Belau in the western Caroline Islands. Following a rapid increase in organization, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA) for the system early on August 8.[2] Meanwhile, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) started tracking the system.[3][nb 1] Around this time, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration also monitored the storm and assigned it with the local name Herming.[5] Early on August 9, Betty intensified into a tropical storm about 1,320 km (820 mi) east-southeast of Manila during the morning of August 9.[6][nb 2]

Betty continued to intensify, and by midday, the storm attained winds of 80 km/h (50 mph).[6] By the evening of August 9, the JMA upgraded Betty to a severe tropical storm.[3] At 0000 UTC on August 10, both the JMA and JTWC believed that Betty attained typhoon intensity.[6] Tracking westward Betty began an episode of explosive deepening as expected by the JTWC.[2] At noon, the JTWC reported that Betty attained winds of 160 km/h (99 mph), equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane on the United States Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS). By 0000 UTC on August 11, the agency upgraded Betty to an equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane.[6] Later that day, the JMA estimated that Betty attained its peak maximum sustained wind of 190 km/h (120 mph) and a minimum barometric pressure of 890 mbar (26 inHg). However, the JTWC indicated that the system was considerably stronger, with maximum sustained winds of 260 km/h (160 mph). This concluded the storm intensification period; according to the JTWC, Betty strengthened 93 mbar (2.7 inHg) in a 37-hour time frame.[2] Furthermore, Betty was the deepest storm of the season,[3] and one of the most powerful storms ever recorded.[2]

At peak, which it maintained for 12 hours,[6] Betty exhibited a small but well-defined eye surrounded by very cold cloud tops.[2] Thereafter, Betty began to weaken as it moved over the central Philippines. Accelerating, Betty continued on a westward track while passing south of a subtropical ridge. According to the JTWC, winds quickly decreased to 190 km/h (120 mph), and by the time it emerged into the South China Sea early on August 13, the typhoon's winds had diminished to 180 km/h (110 mph), equivalent to a high-end Category 2 on the SSHWS.[2] The JMA estimated that Betty was slightly weaker, with winds of 170 km/h (105 mph).[3] Moving west-northwest, Betty began to deepen over open water.[2] By midday, the JMA increased the intensity of Typhoon Betty to 110 mph (180 km/h).[3] On the morning of August 14, the JTWC remarked that Betty reached its secondary peak intensity of 210 km/h (130 mph).[2] Despite this, intensity estimates from the JMA note that Betty did not intensify any further.[3]

After attaining its secondary peak intensity, Betty began to deteriorate as it began to interact with Vietnam. After entering the Gulf of Tonkin, Betty made landfall 350 km (215 mi) south of Hanoi in northern Vietnam on August 16.[2] At the time of landfall, the JMA estimated winds of 135 km/h (85 mph) and the JTWC estimated winds of 140 km/h (85 mph).[6] According to the JMA, Betty weakened to a tropical storm on evening of August 16.[3] It then swept across Laos and eventually dissipated over northern Thailand near Chiang Mai during the evening of August 17.[8]

Preparations, impact, and aftermath

Typhoon Betty near landfall in the Philippines

Under the anticipation that Betty would strike the Philippines, weather alerts were issued in 11 provinces.[9] Manila was placed on "stage three" alert initially, but after the storm passed south of the city, it was downgraded to "stage two" alert.[10] School classes were suspended and residents in low-lying areas were asked to be ready to evacuate. Warnings urging residents to prepare for the storm were broadcast via television. Eighteen ships were also evacuated.[11] Many radio stations were closed.[10]

Typhoon Betty battered the Philippines at peak intensity, bringing heavy rains[12] while also becoming the deepest tropical cyclone to affect the island nation since Typhoon Ike of the 1984 Pacific typhoon season.[13] It also leveled trees and crops, demolished houses, and knocked down power lines.[14] Many highways, crops, buildings, and homes were destroyed.[15]

Eight-five people perished as a result of Typhoon Betty[1] while 17 were reported missing.[16] Two people were killed in San Pablo; four died in the city of Batangas.[17] Five people were killed when they drowned in when their boat was capsized in the rough waters of the Pacific. One person was missing and five others were injured.[18] In the Laguna province, three people, including a 6 year old boy were killed.[10][19] In the resort of Tagaytay, many homes lost their roofs. Communication was lost in the Quezon province.[10] Elsewhere, roughly 2,500 individuals were evacuated to shelter in Legazpi, many of whom were houses in schools and churches. However, the metropolis of Manila escaped any major damage, although power was lost in some places.[20]

Along the Maguindanao and Albay provinces, 10,000 people were evacuated[14] and crop damage totaled $50,000;[11] in the latter alone, 1,000 families were displaced.[20] Typhoon Betty also destroyed 70 homes on Masbate Island, forcing the evacuation of 412.[19] Five people were also killed on the island. In Marinduque, five casualties occurred and at least 4,000 houses were damaged.[21] There, 100% of all banana and coconut trees were destroyed.[22] The Sorsogon province sustained the worst effects from the storm, where there were 18 fatalities and at least 57,000 homes were demolished. Moreover, 19 people died on Samar Island.[23][24] Six fisherman were also listed as missing.[25]

Along southern Luzon, railway service was suspended and 11 domestic flights in and out of the country on August 12 were cancelled.[11] The next day, Philippine Airlines called off all domestic flights, including three flights each to Hong Kong, Taipei and Tokyo were cancelled.[17] Trading was suspended on the Manila and Makati stock exchanges for a day.[19]

Overall, damage amounted to more than PHP 2 billion ($100 million 1987 USD),[26] including $6 million in the provinces of Batangas and Samar. Damage to roads totaled $2.1 million.[27] Nationwide, around 200,000 people were reportedly homeless,[28] including 18,000 in Marinduque and 11,400 on Mindoro Island.[29] A total of 25,518 homes were damaged.[30] Roughly 400,000 people were directly affected by the storm,[31] 371 of which were injured.[23] A few months following the passage of Betty, the nation itself was hit by Typhoon Nina.[32]

After striking the Philippines, six people were killed by Betty in Vietnam. Approximately 10,000 structures were damaged and 103 people were wounded.[33] Nearly 25,000 acres (10,000 ha) of rice fields were destroyed and nearly 10,000 acres (4,000 ha) of other farmland sustained damage [34] In northern Thailand, one person was killed and three others were hurt by the typhoon.[33] Several villages were flooded, and many roads were damaged.[35]

Following the storm, Philippine President Corazon Aquino declared a state of calamity in more than a dozen provinces.[36] Within a few days after Betty hit, the Philippine Airlines resumed normal flight schedules and schools were reopened.[37]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Typhoon Betty (1987).

Notes

  1. ↑ The Japan Meteorological Agency is the official Regional Specialized Meteorological Center for the western Pacific Ocean.[4]
  2. ↑ Wind estimates from the JMA and most other basins throughout the world are sustained over 10 minutes, while estimates from the United States-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center are sustained over 1 minute. 10 minute winds are about 1.14 times the amount of 1 minute winds.[7]

References

  1. 1 2 "Destructive Typhoons 1970-2003". National Disaster Coordinating Council. November 9, 2004. Archived from the original on November 9, 2004. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Joint Typhoon Warning Center; Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center (1988). Annual Tropical Cyclone Report: 1987 (PDF) (Report). United States Navy, United States Air Force. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Japan Meteorological Agency (October 10, 1992). RSMC Best Track Data – 1980–1989 (.TXT) (Report). Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Annual Report on Activities of the RSMC Tokyo – Typhoon Center 2000" (PDF). Japan Meteorological Agency. February 2001. p. 3. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  5. ↑ Michael V. Padua (November 6, 2008). "PAGASA Tropical Cyclone Names 1963–1988". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Kenneth R. Knapp; Michael C. Kruk; David H. Levinson; Howard J. Diamond; Charles J. Neumann (2010). 1987 BETTY (1987219N08134). The International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS): Unifying tropical cyclone best track data (Report). Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  7. ↑ Christopher W Landsea; Hurricane Research Division (April 26, 2004). "Subject: D4) What does "maximum sustained wind" mean? How does it relate to gusts in tropical cyclones?". Frequently Asked Questions:. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  8. ↑ "Tropical Cyclones of the 1987 Pacific Typhoon Season" (PDF). Hong Kong Royal Observatory. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Typhoon Betty nears Philippines". United Press Intentional. August 11, 1987.
  10. 1 2 3 4 "Typhoon Betty Causes Widespread Damage, At least One Death". United Press International. August 12, 1987.
  11. 1 2 3 "Tropical Typhoon Hal Rakes Northern Philippines Killing Three". United Press International. August 12, 1987.
  12. ↑ "Typhoon batters the Philippines". The LA Times. August 13, 1987.
  13. ↑ "Typhoon Betty Pummels Parts of Philippines". Associated Press. August 11, 1987.
  14. 1 2 Claro Cortes (August 12, 1987). "Typhoon Betty hits central Philippines". United Press International. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
  15. ↑ "Philippine typhoon". The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. August 15, 1987. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
  16. ↑ Robert J. Reid (August 18, 1987). "Tropical Storm Disrupts Manila, but No Casualties Reported". Associated Press.
  17. 1 2 "International". United Press International. August 13, 1987.
  18. ↑ "Typhoon Grazes The Philippines". The Bulletin. August 14, 1987. Retrieved January 6, 2012.
  19. 1 2 3 Robert H. Reid (August 13, 1987). "Typhoon Betty Roars Across Philippines; Sefen Dead". Associated Press.
  20. 1 2 James W. Hitton (August 13, 1987). "Typhoon Kills 9, Leaves Thousands Homeless". Associated Press.
  21. ↑ "Deaths, Damage Mount in Philippine Storm". Associated Press. August 14, 1987.
  22. ↑ Claro Cortes (August 14, 1987). "Betty strikes the Philippines". The Bryon Times. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
  23. 1 2 "New Storm Lashes Luzon, Death Toll From Previous Typhoon Reaches 65". Associated Press. August 17, 1987.
  24. ↑ "New Storm Lashes Luzon, Death Toll From Previous Typhoon Reaches 65". Associated Press. August 18, 1987.
  25. ↑ "Life Grinds To Halt As Typhoon Approaches". United Press International. August 13, 1987.
  26. ↑ Most Destructive Tropical Cyclones for the Month of August (1948-2000) (Report). Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Retrieved June 17, 2014.
  27. ↑ "20 Dead, Damage in Millions from Typhoon Betty". Associated Press. August 14, 1987.
  28. ↑ "20 Dead, Damage in Millions from Typhoon Betty". Associated Press. August 16, 1987.
  29. ↑ "International". United Press International. August 14, 1987.
  30. ↑ Claro Cortes (August 15, 1987). "Philippines braces for another typhoon". United Press International. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
  31. ↑ Migel C. Suarez (August 15, 1987). "Death Toll Rises To 44 From Typhoon Betty; New Storm Threatens". Associated Press.
  32. ↑ "Destructive Philippine Typhoons (1947 - 2009)". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved June 11, 2014.
  33. 1 2 "Tropical cyclones lash Philippines, Vietnam". United Press International. August 19, 1987.
  34. ↑ "Foreign News Briefs". United Press International. August 19, 1987.
  35. ↑ "typhoon "betty" brings storms and floods to thailand". Xinhua General Overseas News Service. August 19, 1987.
  36. ↑ "Typhoon Betty batters the Philippines". The Milwaukee Journal. August 14, 1987. Retrieved January 7, 2012.
  37. ↑ "Betty hits the Philippines". New Strait Times. August 15, 1987. Retrieved January 7, 2012..
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