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Typhoon Bopha (known as Typhoon Pablo in the Philippines) was the most intense tropical cyclone to strike the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on record.

Meteorological history
On November 23, a large area of convection persisted 650 km (400 mi) south of Pohnpei, near the equator at a latitude of 1.2ºN. The system had a poorly defined, elongated atmospheric circulation and was located in an area of moderate wind shear and restricted outflow, due to a subtropical ridge to the north. As a result, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) assessed a low chance for tropical cyclogenesis. The center slowly consolidated, with a well-defined mid-level circulation. Late on November 25, the JTWC issued a tropical cyclone formation alert after it organized further, noting that the system had developed an anticyclone which was providing outflow. Around the same time, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) classified the system as a tropical depression, about 410 km (255 mi) south-southwest of Pohnpei. At 2100 UTC on November 25, the JTWC also upgraded the system to Tropical Depression 26W.

Upon developing, a depression had deep convection located in rainbands around the increasingly consolidating center; however, the center initially was difficult to locate. With minimal wind shear and overall favorable conditions, the system was expected to gradually intensify as it moved generally westward, steered by the ridge to the north. On November 26, the movement became nearly stationary as the center organized further. Later that day, the JMA upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Bopha, and early on November 27 the JTWC followed suit after a strong burst of thunderstorms over the center. Its westward motion increased on November 28, later becoming west-southwestward. The convection gradually became better organized and wrapped into the center, indicative of a strengthening storm. However, early on November 29 the appearance degraded, with the thunderstorms limited to the southern periphery due to reduced outflow to the south. The circulation became exposed, and the JTWC noted that Bopha was unable to intensify significantly due to its low latitude and correspondingly low Coriolis effect. Late on November 29, convection increased, aided by warm waters and low wind shear. At 0000 UTC on November 30, the JMA upgraded Bopha to a severe tropical storm. A few hours later, the JTWC upgraded the storm to a typhoon, and the JMA followed suit at 1800 UTC that day. At that time, Bopha was located about 980 km (610 mi) east-southeast of Palau.

Bopha's center passed roughly 40 km south of Angaur Island and 50 km south of Peleliu Island late on December 3.

After weakening to Category 3 status on December 3, the storm underwent a rapid re-intensification that was described as a "full catastrophe" by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This occurred roughly 18 hours before the storm's anticipated landfall in Mindanao. At the time, the system featured concentric eyewalls, with the dominant inner eye being only about 40 km in diameter. This small eye allowed the storm to regain its intensity over the warm waters off the coast of the Philippines. Around the northeast side of the inner eyewall, two hot towers formed, each exceeding 15.5 km in height. A Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission overpass of the storm revealed lightning, a rare feature in tropical cyclones, near one of the hot towers due to significant updrafts. Additionally, during this phase, cloud-top temperatures dropped below -90 C.

Around the time of peak intensity, Bopha featured a gravity wave train propagating outward in the northwestern quadrant along with overshooting cloud tops, with temperatures of -90 to -95 C.

Unusual location and records

 * Formed unusually close to the equator
 * TD around 3.6ºN (JTWC), 4.1ºN (JMA)
 * Closest point to the equator was on November 30 at 3.5ºN (JMA)
 * According to Dr. Paul Roundy of SUNY Albany, Bopha was able to get its rotation from a Rossby-gravity wave

Southernmost typhoon on record (disputed) at 3.8ºN on November 30; JMA lists it as a typhoon at 4.4ºN. Previous record was Typhoon Kate in 1970 which became a typhoon at 4.3ºN; however, the JTWC classified Tropical Storm Vamei in 2001 as a typhoon at 1.5ºN. Second-most southerly super typhoon at 6.1ºN behind Typhoon Kate which reached this intensity at 6.0ºN. Also became the second-most southerly Category 5 on record at 7.1ºN, behind Typhoon Louise in 1964 which attained it at 7.0ºN. When Bopha struck Mindanao on December 4, it became the first Category 5 on record to strike the island.

December super typhoons are uncommon, with the last one before Bopha being Typhoon Nanmadol in 2004.

Preparations

 * ReliefWeb

Federated States of Micronesia and Palau
Upon the JTWC's declaration of Tropical Depression 26W on November 26, a tropical storm watch was issued for Nukuoro and Lukunor in the FSM. Hours later, the watch was superseded by a tropical storm warning while new watches were declared for Losap and Chuuk. The watch was expanded during the afternoon of November 27 to include Poluwat. As the storm moved westward through the FSM and intensified on November 28, a typhoon watch was issued for Woleai; tropical storm warnings for the Nomoi Islands, Poluwat, and Satawal; a tropical storm watch was also put in place for Faraulep. Throughout November 29, watches and warnings were discontinued across the FSM, with all being canceled by the evening hours. During the morning of November 30, the remaining advisories were discontinued; however, new typhoon watches were issued for for Koror, Ngulu Atoll, and a tropical storm watch for Yap and Sonsorol.

Prior to the storm's arrival, the Micronesia Red Cross Society began stockpiling relief materials on Yap and Chuuk. Emergency communication testing, via satellite phones, was also conducted with regional offices. On November 30, residents in Palau were urged to secure their homes in preparation for the typhoon. They were also advised to stock up on emergency supplies that would last for at least three days.

Beginning on November 27 and continuing through December 3, the National Emergency Management Office in Palau issued more than ten detailed public announcements warning residents of the approaching storm and how to prepare. In response, numerous families boarded up their homes and sought refuge in the 45 public shelters opened across the republic. On December 1, a United States Navy vessel arrived in Palau in case requests for assistance were made after the storm. As a precautionary measure, the nations electric grid was shut down at 6:00 p.m. local time on December 2. All flights to and from Roman Tmetuchl International Airport were suspended during the morning of December 3. A strict curfew was put in place for the city of Koror for the duration of the typhoon.

Philippines
"This time, Cagayan de Oro is ready for floods"

Luzon
On the morning of December 7, the NDRMC issued a statement advising all maritime vessels to avoid sailing in the South China Sea near the coasts of Northern and Central Luzon as well as the eastern coast of Southern Luzon. Following Bopha's abrupt re-intensification and gradual turn towards Luzon on December 8, PSWS #2 was raised for the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union; PSWS #1 was also put in place for provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Cagayan, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Pangasinan, and Zambales as well as the island chains of Babuyan and Batanes. In light of this warning, residents in low-lying and mountainous regions in those regions were alerted to the possibility of flash flooding and mudslides. Additionally, persons living in coastal areas under PSWS #2 were alerted of large waves and storm surge associated with Bopha. Following the issuance of PSWS #2, the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development prepared 500 family relief packs each for the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. Additionally, PHP300,000 was made available through a quick response fund. The Department of Health placed its operation center on 24 hour service and ordered medical centers in the threatened region to stockpile medicines. The Philippine Coast Guard and National Police placed dozens of search and rescue teams equipped with rubber boats on standby. By the afternoon of December 9, Bopha had dramatically weakened and PSWS were dropped for all areas except Ilocos Norte, the Babuyan Islands, and Apayao, which later followed suit the on the morning of December 10.

Federated States of Micronesia and Palau
Across Micronesia, impact from the typhoon was fairly limited with only three islands, Kutu, Lukunor Ta, reporting damage to property and livelihoods.

During the early hours of December 3, Typhoon Bopha made its closest approach to Palau, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to much of the island. Widespread damage took place across the republic, with the most severe occurring in the states of Angaur, Peleliu, Ngchesar, Melekeok, Ngiwal, and Ngaraard. Along eastern facing coasts, storm surge caused extensive coastal damage and, in some cases, pushed several hundred feet inland, cutting off roads and leaving behind several feet of debris. Hundreds of residents were forced to evacuate to higher ground as a result of the flooding. According to preliminary reports, Angaur Island experienced extensive damage from the storm. At least six homes were destroyed and travel was severely hampered due to downed trees and debris blocking roads. On Peleliu, eight large coral masses were driven onto the reef surrounding the island. Crops and vegetation across the island sustained heavy damage; however, most homes were reportedly "ok." On the main island of Babeldaob, the coastal states of Melkeok, Ngiwal, and Ngaraard reported that nearly all homes along the shore were damaged or destroyed by storm surge. Power and water service was almost completely lost across the three states as well. In Koror, wind gusts up to 110 km/h (70 mph) downed trees and power lines. Water and power systems across the republic were severely disrupted, with some areas remaining without service more than a week after the storm. Initial assessments stated that 92 homes were destroyed and 59 others were severely damaged; however, later reports stated that nearly 200 were destroyed. Two schools in Ngaraard also sustained severe damage. Despite the severity of the storm, there were no reports of casualties. Across Palau, the cost to repair damage from the storm was estimated at US$15 – 20 million.

Philippines
Typhoon Bopha was one of the most deadly and destructive tropical cyclones to ever strike the Philippines, killing at least 1,067 people and inflicting approximately PHP34.4 billion (US$838 million) in damage. In addition to the loss of life, a further 834 people were reported missing and 2,666 others were injured in various events related to the storm. According to the Government of the Philippines, the final death toll would likely reach 1,500, making it the second-deadliest storm to strike the country since 1947. The most significant impacts were felt in the Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley Provinces, where 1,007 of the fatalities took place. Although the majority of losses took place in those two provinces, the effects of the storm were widespread, with 6.2 million people affected across 34 provinces.

Luzon
On December 5, Typhoon Bopha struck the northern end of Palawan, southernmost island in Luzon. Significant damage took place throughout the region, especially to the south were three people were killed. Two people died during a flood in Roxas and a fisherman drowned off the coast of Puerto Princesa after the MBCA Victo encountered the storm. Seven other fishermen were listed as missing and last seen on either December 2 or 3. A total of 875 homes were destroyed and 424 more were damaged. Losses throughout the region reached PHP593.3 million (US$14.4 million), the majority of which was from infrastructure. Additionally, 6,060 people were affected by Bopha across Palawan.

On December 9, the remnants of Bopha impacted coastal areas of the Ilocos Region. Overall losses were minimal with two homes destroyed and two others damaged.

Palau
After the storm had moved through the region on December 2, officials began allowing evacuees to return home on December 3. The same day, all airports and roads were re-opened; however, some roads on Koror were damaged by storm surge and impassible. Additionally, electricity shut off prior to the storm was restored on Koror. On December 5, the President of Palau declared a state of emergency and US$10 million was authorized by congress for relief efforts. The Palau Red Cross Society began distributing clean-up kits and communal tools in the eastern states of Melekeok, Ngaraard, and Ngiwal by December 7. Further distributions on the southern islands of Anguar and Peleliu began the following day. A week after the typhoon's passage, damage assessments across Palau had been completed and authorities had begun a large-scale reconstruction of damaged properties. The operation, known as the Bopha Catastrophe Relief Committee, was being coordinated by Dr. Patrick Tellei, president of Palau Community College. The committee planned to build 30 homes across the republic: 10 in Ngaraard and 5 each in Angaur, Melekeok, Ngiwal, and Peleliu. By December 12, telecommunications and water supplies were 95 percent restored while power had been brought back to 90 percent of capacity. Although water had been restored to most areas by December 13, residents were advised to continue boiling water, especially in more populated locals until further notice. Schools resumed classes on December 17 across the republic; however, several institutions were either temporarily relocated or had half days due to damage from the storm. On December 23, the Government of Palau announced that, "in the holiday spirit", December 24 and 31 would be declared national holidays for 2012 in light of the typhoon. In some areas, residents burned vegetative debris left behind by the storm.

By December 12, Palau received a US$100,000 grant from USAID and US$25,000 from the Bank of Guam for relief efforts. On December 13, the Government of Japan offered ¥5 million (US$60,000) worth of emergency goods, such as jerry cans and water purifiers, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The following day, the Republic of Korea provided US$50,000 in humanitarian assistance to Palau through the local Red Cross.

Philippines


Chicago Tribune


 * December 13
 * Thousands of children sleeping in open areas after Typhoon Bopha ravaged parts of Philippines


 * December 21
 * SSS offers calamity relief to members affected by Typhoon 'Pablo'
 * BSP grants regulatory relief to banks affected by typhoon 'Pablo'
 * Typhoon Bopha WASH Cluster Situation Report Input - 21 Dec 2012


 * December 25 (Christmas information)
 * 'No Christmas' for Philippine typhoon victims

In areas hardest hit by the storm, Christmas celebrations were held; however, thousands had to do so from evacuation centers or tents. In the town of Cateel, Davao Oriental, survivors held mass for nine days leading up to Christmas Eve. Many prayed for the well-being of others and were grateful to be alive.


 * December 26
 * More groups bring hope to students affected by typhoons in Mindanao


 * December 28
 * Phl Consulate General Receives Donations for ‘Pablo’ Victims from National Association of Mapua Alumni (NAMA) and Association of Government Accountants (AGA) in Guam

International Aid

 * December 5
 * On December 5, the United States offered its condolences to the Philippines for the loss of life and damage wrought by Typhoon Bopha.


 * December 11
 * WFP Appeals For US$21.6 Million To Assist Victims Of Typhoon Bopha
 * Save the Children appeals for funds to help more than 40,000 children in the Philippines affected by killer typhoon
 * European Commission provides €3 million in rapid aid to victims of Typhoon Bopha
 * CARE responds to cyclone Bopha
 * Indonesia donates US$1M, goods for typhoon victims


 * December 12
 * Updated Fact Sheet – U.S. Government Assistance to the Philippines for Typhoon Pablo Relief (December 12, 2012)
 * Moving Fast To Give Hope To People Affected By Typhoon Bopha


 * December 13
 * AmeriCares Rushes Aid for Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines
 * Canada provides additional response to Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines
 * Marines aid Philippine typhoon relief efforts
 * Additional Assistance to the Republic of the Philippines for Typhoon Disaster
 * Huge relief effort underway in the Philippines (Australian Red Cross)
 * WHO supports health response in communities damaged by Typhoon Pablo


 * December 14
 * UNICEF highlights ‘silent threats’ to children in the aftermath of Typhoon Bopha
 * Switzerland supports emergency measures for the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines
 * ADRA delivers emergency food and water following Cyclone Bopha


 * December 21
 * Royal Thai Army Donates US$30,000 for Victims of Typhoon Bopha
 * Fukuoka Prefectural Government Donates JPY 1 Million for Typhoon Pablo Victims


 * December 22
 * DFA Receives China’s Donation for ‘Pablo’ Victims
 * Japanese company donates 10 million yen for ‘Pablo’ victims
 * Malaysian NGO to assist in ‘Pablo’ relief efforts


 * December 24
 * ROK to Provide the Typhoon-struck Philippines with an Additional US$800,000 in Humanitarian Assistance


 * December 27
 * “An untenable situation for the most fragile victims”
 * HelpAge and partner helping older people affected by Typhoon Bopha


 * December 28
 * Japan dispatches emergency relief goods to the Republic of Philippines in the wake of typhoon


 * December 29
 * Sumitomo Corporation Donates ¥10M for Typhoon Pablo Relief Efforts

Tropical Storm Wukong
Roughly three weeks after Typhoon Bopha devastated parts of the Philippines, Tropical Storm Wukong (locally known as Quinta) brought additional damage and loss of life to the country. The hardest hit region was the Western Visayas where 14 people died. All told, the storm killed 20 people, affected 241,693, damaged or destroyed 5,097 homes, and caused about PHP225 million (US$5.5 million) in losses.