On 25th December, 2019, the Philippines confronted one of its most devastating weather events to date – Typhoon Phanfone. Locally referred to as Ursula, the typhoon is the second such catastrophic event after Typhoon Kammuri that rocked the archipelago recently. Phanfone’s trajectory is analogus to the route followed by Super Typhoon Haiyan, a devastating calamity that hit the country back in 2013.
This article aims to provide an encompassing overview of Typhoon Phanfone, specifically emphasizing its impact on the Philippines and the general characteristics and nomenclature of cyclones across different geographical regions.
Typhoon Phanfone: A Blow to The Philippines
The Philippines, being the first major landmass facing the Pacific cyclone belt, is no stranger to cyclonic storms and typhoons, confronting nearly 20 such events annually. The aftermath of Typhoon Phanfone, however, has proven to be particularly calamitous due to its resemblance to Super Typhoon Haiyan. The parallels extend both in terms of the path the typhoon pursued and the significant devastation it caused, drawing attention to the increasing frequency of such severe weather phenomena within the region.
Understanding Tropical Cyclones
The terminology ‘Typhoon’ is specific to severe weather phenomena that occur over tropical or subtropical oceans characterized by swirling systems of clouds and thunderstorms. They represent a type of tropical cyclone and are generally typified by a low-pressure system with high-speed winds revolving around it. The wind speed, direction, temperature, and humidity are all significant contributors to the development and intensification of these cyclones.
| Type of Cyclone | Geographical Region |
|---|---|
| Hurricanes | North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific |
| Typhoons | South-East Asia and China |
| Tropical Cyclones | South-West Pacific and Indian Ocean Region |
Cyclone Nomenclature Across the World
Cyclones bear different names, depending on the region in which they occur. In the North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, they are termed ‘Hurricanes’, while in the regions of South-East Asia and China, they are known as ‘Typhoons’. For the South-West Pacific and Indian Ocean Region, the term ‘Tropical Cyclones’ is employed to describe these powerful meteorological events.
Conclusion :
Thus, the devastation caused by Typhoon Phanfone reiterates the vulnerability of the Philippines to fierce weather conditions. Understanding and recognizing these patterns is important to strategize plans for disaster mitigation and response, thereby reducing their detrimental impacts on the life, economy, and infrastructure of the affected regions.