Typhoon Damrey, the strongest storm to hit Vietnam in a decade, claimed dozens of lives and injured many more, while hundreds of thousands of Philippians were affected as a result of flooding and landslides after the storm chose to hit one of the country’s poorest regions. The typhoon also wreaked havoc in Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. Such tropical storms are frequently caused by the interaction of atmospheric, oceanic and land conditions, but are also increasing in frequency and intensity as a result of climate change.
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Typhoon Causes Widespread Damage in Southeast Asia
A powerful typhoon swept across Southeast Asia in early February, leaving a trail of destruction and disruption in its wake. Typhoon Damrey, also known as Basyang, first hit the Philippines on February 13, with winds of up to 145 kilometers per hour and heavy rain that triggered floods and landslides. Damrey then moved towards Vietnam, where it made landfall on February 16, causing more havoc and displacement.
The typhoon affected at least five countries in the region, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos. It claimed dozens of lives, injured many more, and damaged or destroyed thousands of houses, crops, and infrastructure. It also disrupted transport, communication, and electricity supply, adding to the hardship and vulnerability of the affected communities. Here are some of the impacts of the typhoon:
In the Philippines, Damrey caused flooding and landslides in more than 20 provinces, affecting over 500,000 people and displacing more than 12,000 families. The worst-hit areas were the regions of Bicol, Caraga, and Eastern Visayas, where several cities and towns were submerged or isolated. Many schools were also damaged or used as evacuation centers, disrupting classes for thousands of students. The government declared a state of calamity in several provinces, enabling faster access to resources and assistance.
In Vietnam, Damrey was the strongest typhoon to hit the country in more than a decade, with winds of up to 135 kilometers per hour and heavy rain that caused widespread flooding and landslides. The typhoon affected 15 provinces, including the central cities of Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An, where several tourists were stranded or evacuated. At least 123 people were killed, and dozens were missing or injured. Many bridges, roads, and houses were damaged or destroyed, and power cuts and disruptions to water supply were reported in several areas.
In Cambodia, Damrey caused flash floods and strong winds that damaged or destroyed over 1,000 houses, affecting more than 2,500 families. The typhoon also caused power outages and disrupted transport in several provinces, including the capital, Phnom Penh. The government ordered the evacuation of thousands of residents from the northern provinces, where water levels in rivers and lakes were rising dangerously.
In Thailand, Damrey caused heavy rain and floods in several southern provinces, affecting thousands of households and businesses. The typhoon also caused at least one death and disrupted air transport, closing several airports and delaying hundreds of flights. The authorities issued warnings to fishermen and swimmers to avoid the rough seas and strong currents along the coasts.
In Laos, Damrey caused landslides and flooding in several districts of the southern provinces, damaging roads, bridges, and houses. The typhoon also caused power outages and disrupted farming activities in some areas. The government provided emergency assistance and relief supplies to the affected communities.
The causes of typhoons like Damrey are complex and varied, but they often involve the interaction of atmospheric, oceanic, and land conditions. Climate change is also considered to be a factor that can amplify the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, such as typhoons, hurricanes, and cyclones. To reduce the impacts of these hazards, it is important to have effective disaster risk reduction and management strategies that involve early warning, preparedness, response, and recovery measures. Additionally, addressing the root causes of climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and enhancing resilience, is crucial for safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in Southeast Asia and beyond.
FAQs about Typhoon Damrey
Q: What is a typhoon?
A: A typhoon is a tropical cyclone that occurs in the western Pacific Ocean, typically between May and November, and can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges to coastal areas.
Q: How was Typhoon Damrey named?
A: Typhoon Damrey was named by the Japan Meteorological Agency, and means “elephant” in Cambodian.
Q: How many people were affected by Typhoon Damrey?
A: It is estimated that over 1.5 million people were affected by Typhoon Damrey, including those who were displaced, injured, or otherwise affected by the typhoon’s impacts.
Q: What were some of the impacts of Typhoon Damrey?
A: Typhoon Damrey caused flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage in several countries, resulting in deaths, injuries, and displacement of people. It also disrupted transport, communication, and electricity supply, adding to the hardship and vulnerability of the affected communities.
Q: What can be done to reduce the impacts of typhoons?
A: Effective disaster risk reduction and management strategies that involve early warning, preparedness, response, and recovery measures can help to reduce the impacts of typhoons. Additionally, addressing the root causes of climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and enhancing resilience, is crucial for safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in Southeast Asia and beyond.
