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Tropical Storm Wukong (2012)

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Tropical Storm Wukong (Quinta)
Tropical Storm Wukong over the Philippines on December 26
Meteorological history
FormedDecember 24, 2012
DissipatedDecember 29, 2012
Tropical storm
10-minute sustained (JMA)
Highest winds75 km/h (45 mph)
Lowest pressure1000 hPa (mbar); 29.53 inHg
Tropical storm
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds65 km/h (40 mph)
Lowest pressure996 hPa (mbar); 29.41 inHg
Overall effects
Casualties23 dead, 4 missing
Damage$16.9 million (2012 USD)
Areas affectedPhilippines, Vietnam
IBTrACS / [1]
Part of the 2012 Pacific typhoon season

Tropical Storm Wukong, know in the Philippines as Tropical Storm Quinta, was a weak but deadly tropical cyclone which struck the Philippines in late December 2012. The twenty-fifth named storm of the 2012 Pacific typhoon season, the origin of Wukong can be traced back to December 20, as an area on convection southwest of Pohnpei. The system showed little signs of development in the coming days. Until December 24 the system was classified as a tropical depression, and it strengthened to Tropical Storm Wukong on the next day as it tracked west-northwest. Wukong made multiple landfalls over the central Philippines on December 26, and emerged into the South China Sea on the next day. Wukong weakened to a tropical depression as it tracked west-southwestward on December 28 and dissipated on the next day while located just south of the Cà Mau Peninsula.

Striking the Philippines just three weeks after powerful Typhoon Bopha causing catastrophic damage and massive deaths. Authorities stayed alert and people located in the vulnerable areas were evacuated. Nonetheless, Wuukong still brought heavy rainfalls, triggered flooding and landslides which caused 23 deaths and 4 missing across the country. Damage countrywide amounted to Php695 million (US$16.9 million).[1] Afterwards, Aklan, Iloilo and Capiz were placed under the state of calamity.

Meteorological history

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Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On December 20, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) began monitoring an area of convection located roughly 160 mi (260 km) southwest of Pohnpei, associated with a weak low-level circulation center (LLCC). Located at a marginal environment with an area of diffluence and easterly flow, but offset by moderate wind shear, the JTWC assessed that the system had a low chance for tropical cyclogenesis.[2] The system showed little signs of development for days, and the JTWC ceased monitoring on December 22.[3] However, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) classified the system as a tropical depression early on December 24, about 140 mi (220 km) west of Palau.[4] The JTWC monitor the system again on the same day. Deep convection was displaced by wind shear, and the LLCC was exposed and remained ill-defined.[5] Several hours later, the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert,[6] and designated it as a tropical depression at 21:00 UTC.[7] At the same time, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) began monitored the system and assigned the local name Quinta.[8] The system tracked west-northwest along the southern edge of the subtropical ridge.[7] Affected by moderate wind shear, the depression could only strengthened slowly.[9] Nonetheless, the JMA upgraded it to a tropical storm and assigned the name Wukong at 00:00 UTC December 25. Wukong attained peak intensity six hours later, with peak winds of 45 mph (75 km/h).[4]

Between 7 and 8 p.m. PST (11:00–12:00 UTC) December 25, Wukong made landfall in Homonhon Island.[10] At 12 a.m. PST December 26 (16:00 UTC) December 25, Wukong made another landfall in Abuyog, Leyte,[10][11] then made landfalls in Poro Island at 19:00 UTC December 25 (3 a.m. PST December 26), in Pacijan Island at 20:00 UTC December 25 (4 a.m. PST December 26), and in Catmon, Cebu at 22:00 UTC December 25 (6 a.m. PST December 26).[12][13] Despite making landfall, Wukong's organization improved as convection wrapped tightly into the LLCC and the center become well-definied, which prompted the JTWC to upgrade the system to a tropical storm at 21:00 UTC.[14] Wukong made the sixth landfall in northern Iloilo early on December 26,[13] and made the final landfall in Coron, Palawan later that day.[15] Wukong weakeed slightly and emerged into the South China Sea early on December 27. Deep convection re-developed at the northern part of the storm, and the JMA maintained Wukong's tropical storm status throughtout the day.[4] Wukong turned west-southwest as steered by the northeast monsoon.[16] The monsoon brought stronger wind shear and caused the LLCC of Wukong exposed. Wukong weakened to a tropical depression at 06:00 UTC December 28,[4] and the JTWC issued the final warning to the system a few hours later.[17] Wukong continued to track west-southwest, and dissipated a day later, at about 103 mi (165 km) south of the southern tip of Cà Mau Peninsula.[4]

Preparations, impact and aftermath

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Tropical Storm Wukong approaching the Philippines on December 25

Shortly after being designated as tropical depression, the PAGASA issued the PSWS #1 for provinces in Leyte, Samar, Caraga, and Camiguin.[8] As Wukong strengthened to a tropical storm, the PAGASA issued the PSWS #2 for provinces in Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, and Caraga, while the PSWS #1 was issued for provinces in Negros Island Region, Western Visayas, Bicol Region, and the Misamis Oriental on December 25.[18] The PSWS #1 was raised to #2 to the provinces in Negros Island Region, Western Visayas, Bicol Region as Wukong continued to approach the country.[19] The PAGASA cancelled the PSWS #2 early on December 26 as Wukong weakened to a tropical depression.[a][20] Early on December 27, all the PSWS were cancelled as Wukong weakened further to a low-pressure area.[a][21]

As Wukong approached, many ports in Visayas and Mindanao were closed. Domestic flights of Cebu Pacific, Zest Air and Air Philippines were cancelled.[22] Across the country, nearly 6,000 people were stranded due to cancellation of flights and ship vessels.[23] 2,550 people were stranded in Manila. In Masbate, 32 people were stranded in Masbate City as the ports were closed, and another 18 were stranded in the Burias Island. 572 people were stranded in Maasin and Catbalogan due to disruption of public transport. Sea vessels were suspended on December 26, 1,654 people were stranded in Iloilo while 48 people were stranded in Malay, Aklan.[24]

In advance of the storm, people in Iloilo and Leyte were evacuated.[25] Wukong brought heavy rainfalls and caused flooding in central Philippines. A landslide was reported from Sogod, Southern Leyte. Another landslide occurred in General MacArthur, Eastern Samar.[26] In Samar, six people were killed by the storm: Three were hit by downed trees and the other three were washed away by floodwaters.[27] Many place in Leyte and Samar were flooded.[23] In Cebu, damage to crops and infrastructure were rather minimal, though power outages occurred in the northern part of the province. In Negros Occidental, four houses were destroyed and 27 others were damaged.[23] 15 town in Iloilo were affected by flooding. 1,360 families were evacuated to safety places. Part of a national highway in Passi, Iloilo was blocked by flooding. Two people were dead and two others were missing across the province.[28] Two villages in Kalibo, Aklan were completely submerged. The severity of the flooding was similar to Ketsana which devastated the country three years ago.[29] Damage in Aklan stood at Php15.3 million (US$372 thousand).[30] According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 377,293 people were affected by the storm. 23 people were killed, most of the fatalities occurred in the Western Visayas. The storm also caused 3 injury and left 4 others missing. 6,453 houses were damaged, in which 1,931 were destroyed. Damage across the Philippines reached Php695 million (US$16.9 million). The Government distributed Php9.46 million (US$230 thousand) to those who were affected by the storm.[1]

On December 28, Aklan was placed under the state of calamity, stated that more than 20 towns in the province were affected by flooding.[31] The next day, the government of Iloilo and Capiz also declared the state of calamity, as massive loss of life and property were reported.[32]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b This was based on the real-time analysis of the PAGASA. At that time, the JMA still maintained Wukong as a tropical storm.

References

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  1. ^ a b c SitRep No.13 Effects and Response for Tropical Depression QUINTA (PDF) (Report). National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. January 5, 2013. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  2. ^ "SIGNIFICANT TROPICAL WEATHER ADVISORY FOR THE WESTERN AND SOUTH PACIFIC OCEANS REISSUED/201400Z-210600ZDEC2012". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 20, 2012. Archived from the original on December 21, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  3. ^ "SIGNIFICANT TROPICAL WEATHER ADVISORY FOR THE WESTERN AND SOUTH PACIFIC OCEANS/220600Z-230600ZDEC2012". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 22, 2012. Archived from the original on December 24, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  4. ^ a b c d e Tropical Storm Wukong (1225) (RSMC Tropical Cyclone Best Track). Japan Meteorological Agency. January 17, 2013. Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  5. ^ "SIGNIFICANT TROPICAL WEATHER ADVISORY FOR THE WESTERN AND SOUTH PACIFIC OCEANS/240600Z-250600ZDEC2012". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 24, 2012. Archived from the original on December 24, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  6. ^ "WTPN21 PGTW 241530". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 24, 2012. Archived from the original on December 25, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  7. ^ a b "Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Depression 27W Warning Number 1 December 24, 2012 21z". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 24, 2012. Archived from the original on December 25, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  8. ^ a b "Tropical Depression "Quinta": Weather Bulletin Number One: December 24, 2012 21z". Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. December 24, 2012. Archived from the original on December 25, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  9. ^ "Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Depression 27W Warning Number 3 December 25, 2012 09z". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 25, 2012. Archived from the original on December 25, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  10. ^ a b "Quinta makes landfall; Signal No. 2 in 9 areas". Rappler. December 25, 2012. Retrieved December 26, 2012.
  11. ^ "'Quinta' makes landfall in Leyte". INQUIRER.net. December 26, 2012. Archived from the original on December 30, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  12. ^ "'Quinta' downgraded to tropical depression". The Philippine Star. December 26, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  13. ^ a b "Quinta makes landfall six times in Visayas, may leave Friday". GMA Network. December 26, 2012. Archived from the original on September 6, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  14. ^ "Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 27W (Wukong) Warning Number 5 December 25, 2012 21z". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 25, 2012. Archived from the original on December 26, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  15. ^ "Quinta slows down near Coron". Rappler. December 27, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
  16. ^ "Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Depression 27W (Wukong) Warning Number 10 December 27, 2012 21z". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 27, 2012. Archived from the original on December 28, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  17. ^ "Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Depression 27W (Wukong) Warning Number 13 December 28, 2012 15z". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. December 28, 2012. Archived from the original on June 2, 2013. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  18. ^ "Tropical Storm "Quinta": Weather Bulletin Number Three: December 25, 2012 09z". Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. December 25, 2012. Archived from the original on December 26, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  19. ^ "Tropical Storm "Quinta": Weather Bulletin Number Five: December 25, 2012 21z". Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. December 25, 2012. Archived from the original on December 26, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  20. ^ "Tropical Depression "Quinta": Weather Bulletin Number Six: December 26, 2012 03z". Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. December 26, 2012. Archived from the original on December 26, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  21. ^ "Tropical Depression "Quinta": Weather Bulletin Number Ten (Final): December 27, 2012 03z". Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. December 27, 2012. Archived from the original on December 27, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  22. ^ "'Quinta' Lowered to a Tropical Depression; Several Flights Cancelled". SecurityMatters. December 26, 2012. Archived from the original on July 14, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
  23. ^ a b c Yap, DJ; Ramos, Marlon (December 27, 2012). "'Quinta' does little damage". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on December 30, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  24. ^ Arnaiz, Jani; Esplanad, Jerry E.; Gabieta, Joey A.; Soltes, Jonas Cabiles (December 26, 2012). "'Quinta' shuts down travel to South". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on December 31, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
  25. ^ "Iloilo, Leyte residents evacuate due to 'Quinta' floods". GMA Network. December 27, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
  26. ^ "Landslide reported in Leyte, 1 missing in 'Quinta' wake — OCD". GMA Network. December 26, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
  27. ^ "Tropical storm Wukong leaves six people dead". The Peninsula. December 27, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  28. ^ Burgos Jr., Nestor P. (December 27, 2012). "2 drown, 2 missing in Iloilo floods spawned by 'Quinta'". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on December 31, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2012.
  29. ^ Santos, Matikas (December 27, 2012). "`Ondoy-like' floods swamp two Kalibo villages". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on December 30, 2012. Retrieved December 29, 2012.
  30. ^ "Storm Quinta Caused P15 Million Damage in Aklan". The Poultry Site. January 24, 2013. Archived from the original on September 26, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  31. ^ P. Burgos Jr., Nestor (December 28, 2012). "Aklan declared under state of calamity". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on April 11, 2013. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  32. ^ "Iloilo, areas in Capiz under state of calamity due to Quinta". GMA Network. December 29, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
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