Tropical Storm Washi
Tropical Storm Washi was a tropical storm of the 2011 Pacific typhoon season.
| Severe tropical storm (JMA) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical storm (SSHS) | |||
| |||
| Duration | December 13 – December 19 | ||
| Intensity | 95 km/h (60 mph) (10-min), 992 mbar (hPa) | ||
Overview
On December 11, a disturbance formed and stayed near Chuuk. On December 13, the low pressure area quickly got stronger. On the same day, the JTWC upgraded the low pressure to a tropical depression. They named it 27W. The JMA also upgraded it to a tropical depression. The JTWC upgraded the system to a tropical storm on December 14. They then downgraded it to a tropical depression early on December 15. The PAGASA called it Sendong as it entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility. After passing Palau on December 15, both the JTWC and the JMA upgraded the system to a tropical storm. They named it Washi. On December 16, Washi made landfall over Surigao del Sur, a province of the Philippines. Several hours later, Washi arrived at the Sulu Sea and regained its strength quickly. Late on December 17, Washi crossed Palawan, and arrived at the South China Sea. On December 19, Washi weakened into a tropical depression and dissipated.
In the Philippines, Washi caused at least 1,268 deaths. 1,079 people are officially listed as missing. Washi affected 102,899 families or 674,472 people in 766 villages in 52 towns and eight cities in 13 provinces.[1][2] Most of the deaths were in the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro. Five people were killed in a landslide, but all others died in flash flooding. More than 2,000 have been rescued, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Officials were also investigating reports that an entire village was swept away. The flash flooding happened overnight, following 10 hours of rain. This was made worse by overflowing rivers and tributaries. In some areas, up to 20 centimeters of rain fell in 24 hours. At least 20,000 people were staying in 10 evacuation centers in Cagayan de Oro. Officials said that despite government warning, some people did not evacuate. At least 9,433 houses were destroyed while 18,616 were damaged.[3]
Tropical Storm Washi Media
Tropical Storm Washi in the Sulu Sea on December 17
Satellite estimated rainfall from Severe Tropical Storm Washi over the Philippines. The areas in red indicate where more than 400 mm (16 in) of rain may have fallen.
Mindanao following the aftermath of Tropical Storm Washi
Flooding from Tropical Storm Washi
Sendong Memorial Tombstone for the Victims at Gastong Park, Cagayan de Oro
References
- ↑ "Death toll from tropical storm climbs to 1,236 in Philippines". Phillippines: English.news.cn. December 25, 2011. Retrieved December 25, 2011.
- ↑ "SitRep No.11 re Effects of Tropical Storm "SENDONG" (WASHI)" (PDF). Phillippines: National Disaster Risk Reduction and management council. December 20, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 19, 2012. Retrieved December 20, 2011.
- ↑ "Death toll from Philippine storm reaches 569; hundreds missing". CNN. Retrieved December 18, 2011.