Portal:Tropical cyclones/Featured article/Tropical Storm Bilis



Severe Tropical Storm Bilis (international designation: 0604, JTWC designation: 05W, designated Typhoon Florita by PAGASA and sometimes known as just Tropical Storm Bilis) was a tropical storm that caused significant damage to areas of the Philippines, Taiwan, and southeastern China. It was the fifth tropical storm of the 2006 Pacific typhoon season recognized by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Bilis was the fourth tropical storm of the season. The storm was also designated a typhoon by PAGASA, though it was never officially designated as such by the JMA. The word Bilis, submitted by the Philippines, means 'speed' or 'swiftness' in Tagalog.

Despite never officially reaching typhoon strength, Bilis was responsible for $4.4 billion (2006 USD) in damage and 672 fatalities in the Philippines, Taiwan, and China. Most of the damage was caused by heavy rain, which triggered widespread flash flooding and landslides. Many of the areas Bilis flooded were later affected by Typhoon Kaemi, Typhoon Prapiroon, and intense Typhoon Saomai. Bilis was later retired due to its destruction.

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