Top 10 Typhoons that Landed in the Philippines

A Review: The Philippines' Most Destructive Typhoons

Introduction

The Philippines, known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, is also one of the most vulnerable countries to typhoons. These natural disasters, characterized by their destructive force, have left a lasting impact on the nation, claiming lives and causing extensive damage. Over the past two decades, typhoons such as Haiyan, Ondoy, and Pablo have etched themselves into the collective memory of Filipinos.

As the rainy season descends upon the archipelago, spanning from May to November, the populace remains on high alert, apprehensive about the impending typhoons. With a long history of typhoon devastation, the nation ponders the question: Will the next typhoon surpass the destructive might of its predecessors?

This article delves into a retrospective analysis of some of the most formidable typhoons that have battered the country. Drawing upon personal experiences, meticulous observations, and thorough research, we aim to shed light on these tempestuous storms' severity and lasting impact. It is essential to remember that all typhoons possess inherent dangers, as encountering a friendly typhoon remains elusive.

Summary

Over the past years, the Philippines has experienced several major typhoons that have left significant impacts on the country. Let's analyze the data on these typhoons to gain insights into their strength, casualties, affected population, and estimated damages.

Strength:
Examining the maximum sustained winds of the typhoons, Yolanda stands out as the strongest with a record-breaking 315 kph. Other notable typhoons include Pablo with 175 kph winds, Ompong with 205 kph winds, and Rolly with 225 kph winds. These figures indicate the immense power and destructive force of these storms.
Casualties and Affected Population:
Yolanda caused the highest number of casualties, surpassing 6,000 deaths, making it one of the deadliest typhoons in Philippine history. Other typhoons like Pepeng and Ondoy, as well as Glenda, also resulted in significant casualties, with over 900 and 225 deaths, respectively. These numbers reflect the devastating impact on human lives.
Affected population,
Yolanda affected the largest number of people, with over 14 million individuals experiencing its destructive force. Similarly, Pepeng and Ondoy affected around nine million people, while Glenda and Ompong affected millions as well. These figures highlight the wide-scale impact on communities and the need for effective disaster response and relief efforts.
Estimated Damages:
The estimated damages caused by these typhoons also provide insights into their economic impact. Yolanda resulted in approximately Php 95 billion in damages, making it the costliest among the analyzed typhoons. Following closely behind is Pepeng and Ondoy, which incurred damages amounting to around Php 50 billion. Other typhoons like Ompong, Glenda, and Ulysses caused damages ranging from Php 8 billion to Php 21 billion. These substantial economic losses demonstrate the long-term consequences on infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods

The data analysis reveals the severity and magnitude of major typhoons in the Philippines. These storms, characterized by strong winds, significant casualties, large affected populations, and substantial damages, have left lasting impacts on communities and the nation as a whole. It underscores the importance of disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure to mitigate the effects of future typhoons and protect lives and livelihoods.

#1. Yolanda - 2013

Yolanda stands out as the strongest and most devastating typhoon to hit the Philippines in the past 20 years. With maximum sustained winds of 315 kph, it caused significant damage, resulting in over 6,000 deaths and affecting more than 14 million people. The estimated damages amounted to approximately Php 95 billion.

Max Sustained Winds: 315 kph
Estimates Casualties: 6000+ deaths
Affected People: 14+ Million
Approximated Total Estimated Damages: Php 95 Billion

#2. Pablo - 2012

Before Yolanda, Pablo was considered the strongest typhoon within a 20-year period. It had maximum sustained winds of 175 kph and caused nearly 1,000 deaths. Approximately 5 million people were affected, and the estimated damages reached Php 7 billion.

Max Sustained Winds: 175 kph
Estimates Casualties: Almost 1000 deaths
Affected People: 5 Million
Approximated Total Estimated Damages: Php 7 Billion

#3. Glenda - 2014

Glenda arrived almost a year after Yolanda, with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph. While it caused fewer casualties (225 deaths), it still affected one million individuals and resulted in damages exceeding Php 8 billion.

Max Sustained Winds: 120 kph
Estimates Human Casualties: 225
Estimated Humans Affected: One Million
Total Estimated Damages: Php 8+ B

#4. Ompong - 2018

Ompong hit the northern part of Luzon, causing significant damage to agricultural crops. It had maximum sustained winds of 205 kph, resulting in over 100 casualties and affecting around four million people. The estimated damages amounted to Php 21 billion.

Max Sustained Winds: 205 kph
Estimates Human Casualties: 100+
Estimated Humans Affected: Four Million
Total Estimated Damages: Php 21 B

#5. Pepeng and Ondoy 2009

Pepeng and Ondoy were notable typhoons in 2009. Pepeng had sustained winds of 175 kph, while Ondoy had sustained winds of 165 kph. These two typhoons caused over 900 casualties and affected approximately nine million people. The estimated damages were approximately Php 50 billion.

Max Sustained Winds: 175 kph - Pepeng, Ondoy - 165 Kph
Estimates Human Casualties: 900+
Estimated Humans Affected: Nine Million
Total Estimated Damages: Php 50 B
I still can recall this, in that time, it seems that the rain never stopped for almost a month. We didn't have any classes for weeks due to the effects of the typhoon.

#6. Ulysses - 2020

Ulysses had sustained winds of 150 kph and caused around 100 casualties. It affected four million people and resulted in damages totaling Php 20 billion. The Cagayan and Isabela regions experienced severe flooding due to the typhoon and water release from the Magat Dam.

Max Sustained Winds: 150 kph
Estimates Human Casualties: 100
Estimated Humans Affected: Four Million
Total Estimated Damages: Php 20 B

#7. Rolly - 2020

Rolly, landing in the south of the Philippines, had maximum sustained winds of 225 kph. It caused 25 casualties and affected two million individuals. The estimated damages were around Php 10 billion. Rolly was followed by Ulysses, which landed in the northern part of the Philippines.

Max Sustained Winds: 225 kph
Estimates Human Casualties: 25
Estimated Humans Affected: 2 Million
Total Estimated Damages: Php 10 B

#8. Pedring - 2011

Pedring caused 77 casualties, affected over two million people, and resulted in damages exceeding Php 9 billion. It had sustained winds of 170 kph.

Max Sustained Winds:170 kph
Estimates Human Casualties: 77
Estimated Humans Affected: 2+ Million
Total Estimated Damages: Php 9 B

#9. Lando - 2015

Lando damaged a significant number of agricultural crops and caused over 40 casualties. Approximately one million people were affected, and the estimated damages reached Php 11 billion.

Max Sustained Winds: 140 kph
Estimates Human Casualties: 40+
Estimated Humans Affected: 1+ Million
Total Estimated Damages: Php 11 B

#10. Frank - 2008

Frank had sustained winds of 160 kph and resulted in over 500 casualties. It affected four million individuals and caused estimated damages of Php 10 billion. Notably, during this typhoon, the MV Princess of Stars sank at Romblon Island.

Max Sustained Winds: 160 kph
Estimates Human Casualties: 500+
Estimated Humans Affected: Four Million
Total Estimated Damages: Php 10 B