Tropical Cyclones in 2024 > Review of tropical cyclones in 2024

2.1 Review of tropical cyclones in 2024

2.1.1 Tropical cyclones over the western North Pacific (including the South China Sea)

In 2024, a total of 29 tropical cyclones occurred over the WNP and the SCS bounded by the Equator, 45°N, 100°E and 180°, near the long-term (1961-2020) average figure of around 30. During the year, 13 of which attained typhoon intensity or above, slightly less than the long-term average (1961-2020) of about 15, with eight of them reaching super typhoon intensity (maximum 10-minute mean wind speed of 185 km/h or above near the centre).

Figure 2.1 shows the monthly frequencies of the occurrence of tropical cyclones in WNP and SCS in 2024.

During the year, eight tropical cyclones made landfall over China, with one of them crossing the coast of southern China within 300 km of Hong Kong, and three crossing Taiwan. Eight made landfall over the Philippines and five made landfall over Vietnam. With an estimated maximum sustained wind speed of 230 km/h and a minimum sea-level pressure of 915 hPa near its centre (Table 4.1), Super Typhoon Yagi (2411) in September (Figure 2.3) was the most intense tropical cyclone over the WNP and the SCS in 2024. In November, Yinxing (2422), Toraji (2423), Usagi (2425) and Man-yi (2424) co-existed over the WNP and the SCS, the first time in November since 1961 that four tropical cyclones occurred concurrently in the region (Figure 2.4).

2.1.2 Tropical cyclones in Hong Kong's area of responsibility

Amongst the 29 tropical cyclones in 2024, 17 of them occurred inside Hong Kong's area of responsibility (i.e. the area bounded by 10°N, 30°N, 105°E and 125°E), near the long-term annual average (1961-2020) figure of around 16 (Table 2.1). Five of them developed within Hong Kong's area of responsibility. Altogether, 485 tropical cyclone warnings to ships and vessels were issued by the Observatory this year (Table 4.2).

2.1.3 Tropical cyclones over the South China Sea

Fourteen tropical cyclones affected the SCS bounded by 10°N, 25°N, 105°E and 120°E in 2024, slightly more than the long-term annual average (1961-2020) of around 12. Five of them formed over the region.

With an estimated maximum sustained wind of 230 km/h near its centre on 6 September, Super Typhoon Yagi (2411) (Figure 2.3) became the second strongest tropical cyclone in the SCS since the Observatory’s records began in 1950, second only to Super Typhoon Rammasun in 2014 and on par with Super Typhoon Saola in 2023.

2.1.4 Tropical cyclones affecting Hong Kong

In 2024, the tropical cyclone season in Hong Kong started on 30 May. Tropical Cyclone Maliksi (2402) formed over the central part of the SCS and moved northwards towards the coast of western Guangdong that evening, necessitating the issuance of the Standby Signal No. 1. The tropical cyclone season ended with the cancellation of all tropical cyclone warning signals on 19 November, with Tropical Cyclone Man-yi (2424) departing from Hong Kong and weakening that night.

Seven tropical cyclones affected Hong Kong during 2024 (Figure 2.2), slightly more than the long-term (1961-2020) average of about six in a year (Table 2.2). They were Tropical Storm Maliksi (2402) in May to June, Severe Tropical Storm Prapiroon (2404) in July, Super Typhoon Yagi (2411) in September, Typhoon Trami (2420) in October, and the three in November, namely Super Typhoon Yinxing (2422), Typhoon Toraji (2423) and Super Typhoon Man-yi (2424). The No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal was issued during the passages of Yagi and Toraji on 5 September and 13 November respectively, the highest tropical cyclone warning signal issued in 2024. Among them, the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal issued during the passage of Toraji was the latest issuance of No. 8 Signal in a year since 1946. The No. 3 Strong Wind Signal was issued during the passages of Maliksi, Trami and Yinxing. Prapiroon and Man-yi necessitated the issuance of the Standby Signal No. 1 by the Observatory.

Towards the end of the tropical cyclone season, Yinxing, Toraji and Man-yi affected Hong Kong one after another. Tropical cyclone warning signals were issued for these three episodes (Table 4.3), the first time in November since 1946.

2.1.5 Tropical cyclone rainfall

Tropical cyclone rainfall for Hong Kong (total rainfall recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory Headquarters from the time when a tropical cyclone was first centred within 600 km of Hong Kong to 72 hours after it had dissipated within or moved outside 600 km of Hong Kong) in 2024 was 724.9 mm (Table 4.8.1), which accounted for approximately 31.4% of the year’s total rainfall of 2309.7 mm and is near the 1961-2020 long-term average of 704.2 mm.

According to the above definition, Super Typhoon Yagi (2411) brought 198.3 mm of rainfall to Hong Kong (Table 4.8.1) and was the wettest tropical cyclone in 2024.

2.2 Monthly overview

A monthly overview of tropical cyclones in 2024 is given in this section. Detailed reports on tropical cyclones affecting Hong Kong, including reports of damage, are presented in Section 3.

JANUARY TO APRIL

No tropical cyclone formed over the WNP and the SCS from January to April 2024.

MAY TO JUNE

Ewiniar (2401) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 990 km southeast of Manila on the morning of 24 May and moved northwestwards across the Philippines. Ewiniar turned to move northeastwards gradually and intensified rapidly on 26 May. It intensified into a typhoon and reached its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 140 km/h near its centre that night. Ewiniar moved across the seas south of the Ryukyu Islands and weakened gradually in the following three days. It finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the WNP to the south of Japan on the afternoon of 30 May.

According to press reports, Ewiniar brought torrential rain and squalls to the Philippines, causing six deaths and eight injuries. More than 150 000 people were affected and economic loss exceeded PHP 1.04 billion.

Maliksi (2402) formed as a tropical depression over the central part of the SCS about 650 km south-southwest of Hong Kong on the evening of 30 May and moved generally northwards towards the coast of western Guangdong. Maliksi intensified into a tropical storm and attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 65 km/h near its centre the next afternoon. Maliksi made landfall over Yangjiang, Guangdong in the small hours of 1 June. It then moved north-northeastwards into inland Guangdong and weakened gradually. Maliksi finally degenerated into an area of low pressure that evening.

According to press reports, Maliksi brought torrential rain and squalls to Guangzhou, Foshan, Maoming and other places in Guangdong. Some ferry services were suspended in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

JULY

A tropical depression formed over the southern part of the SCS about 570 km east-southeast of Da Nang on the evening of 13 July, with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 45 km/h near its centre. It generally tracked northwestwards in the following two days and finally weakened into an area of low pressure over the central part of Vietnam on the night of 15 July.

Prapiroon (2404) formed as a tropical depression over the central part of the SCS about 630 km east-southeast of Xisha on the afternoon of 19 July and moved west-northwestwards across the central part of the SCS. It intensified into a tropical storm on the morning of 21 July and turned to move north-northwestwards towards Hainan Island. Before making landfall over Hainan Island, Prapiroon further intensified into a severe tropical storm that night. Prapiroon made landfall over Wanning, Hainan in the small hours of 22 July and weakened slightly into a tropical storm as it moved across Hainan Island. Prapiroon re-intensified into a severe tropical storm as it moved across Beibu Wan. It attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 105 km/h near its centre on the evening of 22 July. Prapiroon made landfall over the northern part of Vietnam on the morning of 23 July. It then moved inland and weakened gradually. Prapiroon finally degenerated into an area of low pressure that night.

According to press reports, Prapiroon brought torrential rain and squalls to Hainan Island, resulting in fallen trees in many parts of the region and an interruption to electricity supply to over 220 000 households.

Gaemi (2403) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 1 090 km east of Manila on the night of 19 July. It moved northwestwards or west-northwestwards across the seas east of the Philippines and intensified gradually. Gaemi turned to move generally northwards towards the seas east of Taiwan on 22 July and intensified into a typhoon that night. It then turned to move northwestwards towards Taiwan on the night of the next day. On 24 July, Gaemi intensified into a super typhoon and attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 195 km/h near its centre. Affected by Taiwan’s terrain, Gaemi lingered around the coastal waters east of Taiwan and made an anti-clockwise loop that night. Gaemi weakened into a severe typhoon when it moved across Taiwan in the small hours of 25 July. It made landfall over Putian, Fujian that night and further weakened into a severe tropical storm. In the following two days, Gaemi moved generally northwestwards or west-northwestwards into inland and continued to weaken. It finally degenerated into an area of low pressure over Hubei on the morning of 28 July.

According to press reports, Prapiroon and Gaemi, together with the southwest monsoon, brought days of torrential rain and squalls to the Philippines. 53 people were found dead or missing, and 16 were injured. More than 6.4 million people were affected. More than 9 700 houses were damaged and the economic loss exceeded PHP 10.3 billion in the Philippines. A 24-hour rainfall of 1 217.5 millimetres was recorded in Maolin of Gaoxiong during the passage of Gaemi over Taiwan. Torrential rain and squalls left 12 dead or missing, and more than 900 injuries. Water and electricity supplies to more than 160 000 and 870 000 households were disrupted respectively. The economic loss exceeded USD 110 million. More than 1.47 million people were affected in Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Guangdong with the economic loss exceeding RMB 5.7 billion. In addition, affected by the remnant of Gaemi, Hunan reported a record-breaking 24-hour rainfall of 642.5 millimetres. The torrential rain left 94 dead or missing. More than 1.21 million people were affected and the economic loss exceeded RMB 8.6 billion.

AUGUST TO NOVEMBER

Maria (2405) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 1 140 km south of Tokyo in the small hours of 7 August and then moved generally eastwards. It intensified into a tropical storm in the small hours of 8 August, turned to move generally northwards towards the seas east of Honshu, Japan, and further intensified into a severe tropical storm that night. Maria attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 110 km/h near its centre in the small hours of 9 August. Maria weakened into a tropical storm on the night of the next day, but intensified into a severe tropical storm again on 11 August and turned to move west-northwestwards or northwestwards. Maria weakened gradually upon crossing Tohoku, Japan the next day. It finally degenerated into an area of low pressure over the seas north of Honshu, Japan on the morning of 13 August.

According to press reports, Maria brought torrential rain and squalls to Tohoku, Japan. A record-breaking 48-hour rainfall of 481.5 millimetres was recorded in Kuji of Iwate Prefecture. At least 2 000 people were evacuated. Water and electricity supplies to more than 200 and 4 000 households were disrupted respectively. Railway and air traffic were also affected, with at least 80 flights cancelled.

Son-Tinh (2406) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 1 220 km east-northeast of Iwo Jima on the night of 10 August, and moved east-northeastwards at first. It turned to move generally northwards on the morning of 11 August, and intensified into a tropical storm, attaining its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 65 km/h near its centre that night. It turned to move northwestwards towards the seas east of Honshu, Japan the next day. Son-Tinh weakened gradually on 13 August, and finally degenerated into an area of low pressure over the seas east of Honshu, Japan in the small hours of the next day.

Ampil (2407) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 620 km west-southwest of Iwo Jima on the morning of 12 August, and moved northeastwards. It turned to move northwards across the seas south of Honshu, Japan on 14 August and intensified gradually. Ampil intensified into a severe typhoon in the small hours of 16 August, and attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 175 km/h near its centre that morning. Ampil then turned to move northeastwards across the seas east of Honshu, Japan. It moved east-northeastwards or northeastwards in the following two days, and weakened rapidly into a severe tropical storm on 18 August. Ampil finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the WNP to the east of Japan on the morning of 19 August.

According to press reports, Ampil brought torrential rain and squalls to eastern Honshu, Japan. Four people were injured. Electricity supply to more than 13 000 households was disrupted. Railway and air traffic were affected, with at least 900 flights cancelled.

Wukong (2408) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 760 km east of Iwo Jima on the afternoon of 12 August, and moved generally northwards. It intensified into a tropical storm and attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 65 km/h near its centre on the morning of 13 August. Wukong weakened into a tropical depression on the afternoon of the next day, and finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the seas east of Honshu, Japan on the night of 15 August.

Jongdari (2409) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 270 km southwest of Okinawa on the morning of 18 August. It took a northerly track across the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea, towards the vicinity of the Korean Peninsula in the following two days. Jongdari intensified into a tropical storm on the night of 18 August, and attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 75 km/h near its centre in the small hours of 20 August. It weakened gradually that afternoon. Jongdari made landfall over the west coast of the Korean Peninsula on the morning of 21 August, and finally degenerated into an area of low pressure that afternoon.

According to press reports, Jongdari left one person injured in the Republic of Korea during its passage. Ferry services to and from Jeju Island were suspended. More than 100 flights were delayed at Jeju International Airport.

Shanshan (2410) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 960 km south-southeast of Iwo Jima on the afternoon of 21 August, and moved west-northwestwards at first. It turned to move generally northwards slowly, and intensified gradually in the following two days. Shanshan started to pick up speed, sweeping across the seas south of Iwo Jima on 24 August. It turned to move northwestwards or west-northwestwards towards the vicinity of the Ryukyu Islands in the small hours of 25 August, and intensified into a typhoon on the afternoon of the next day. Shanshan intensified rapidly into a severe typhoon on the morning of 27 August, and further intensified into a super typhoon, attaining its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 185 km/h near its centre that night. It turned to move northwards towards Kyushu, Japan, and weakened gradually the next day. Shanshan made landfall over Kyushu, Japan on the morning of 29 August, and weakened rapidly into a severe tropical storm that afternoon. It then turned to move generally eastwards across Shikoku and the coastal areas in southern Honshu, Japan in the following two days. It finally degenerated into an area of low pressure over the coastal waters south of Honshu, Japan on the afternoon of 1 September.

According to press reports, Shanshan brought torrential rain and squalls to many places in Japan. A 72-hour rainfall of 821 millimetres was recorded in Misato of Miyazaki Prefecture, Kyushu, and there were reports of a possible tornado in Miyazaki Prefecture. Shanshan caused 8 deaths and 133 injuries in Japan. More than 1 300 houses were damaged. Water and electricity supplies to more than 2 100 and 280 000 households were disrupted respectively. Land and air transport were severely affected, with over 2 000 flights cancelled.

Yagi (2411) formed as a tropical depression over the seas east of the central part of the Philippines about 560 km east-southeast of Manila on the morning of 1 September. It moved northwestwards towards Luzon and intensified into a tropical storm that night. Yagi moved across Luzon the next day and entered the northern part of the SCS on 3 September. Yagi then tracked generally westwards across the northern part of the SCS. Under the favourable conditions of very warm sea water and weak vertical wind shear, Yagi rapidly intensified into a super typhoon from a severe tropical storm on 4 September. Yagi attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 230 km/h near its centre in the small hours on 6 September, making it the second strongest tropical cyclone in the SCS since the Observatory’s records began in 1950, on par with Super Typhoon Saola in 2023. Yagi turned to move west-northwestwards towards Hainan Island that morning and made landfall near Wenchang, Hainan Island that evening. Yagi continued to maintain super typhoon intensity while moving across Beibu Wan the next day, and made landfall near the northern part of Vietnam in the afternoon. It then moved into inland areas of the northern part of Vietnam and weakened rapidly. Yagi finally degenerated into an area of low pressure on the night of 8 September.

According to press reports, Yagi left 21 deaths, 26 missing and 22 injuries in the Philippines during its passage. More than 3 million people were affected, over 7 000 houses were damaged and economic loss exceeded PHP 2.6 billion. In Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan, more than 2.7 million people were affected and over 450 000 people were evacuated. Yagi left 4 deaths and 95 injuries in Hainan. More than 32 000 houses were damaged, the number of fallen trees amounted to over 160 000, and economic loss exceeded RMB 78.6 billion. Yagi and its remnant brought torrential rain to Vietnam, Lao PDR, Thailand and Myanmar, triggering landslides and flooding in many places. In Vietnam, there were at least 323 deaths, 22 missing and 1 978 injuries. More than 3.6 million people were affected, over 280 000 houses were damaged, and economic loss exceeded VND 81 trillion. In Lao PDR, there were at least 7 deaths and more than 180 000 people affected. Economic loss exceeded USD 7.9 million. In Thailand, there were at least 52 deaths and 28 injuries. In Myanmar, there were at least 360 deaths, 100 missing and 48 injuries. More than 1.1 million people were affected and over 140 000 houses were damaged.

Originating from the central North Pacific, Hone moved across the International Date Line with tropical depression intensity and entered the WNP on the morning of 3 September. At the time, the maximum sustained wind near its centre was estimated to be 55 km/h. It tracked north-northwestwards, and weakened gradually. Hone finally degenerated into an area of low pressure over sea on the morning of 4 September.

Leepi (2412) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 600 km east of Iwo Jima on the morning of 3 September, and moved generally northwards towards the seas east of Japan. It intensified into a tropical storm, attaining its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 65 km/h near its centre on the morning of 5 September. Leepi then turned to move northeastwards, and finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the WNP to the east of Japan in the small hours of 7 September.

Bebinca (2413) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 360 km southeast of Guam on the morning of 10 September. It moved generally northwestwards towards the vicinity of the Ryukyu Islands and intensified gradually. Bebinca intensified into a severe tropical storm over the seas south of Iwo Jima on 12 September, but weakened into a tropical storm the next day. It re-intensified on the night of 13 September, and moved across the vicinity of the Ryukyu Islands with severe tropical storm intensity the next day. Bebinca further intensified into a typhoon, and turned to move west-northwestwards towards the vicinity of the Yangtze River Estuary on 15 September. It attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 145 km/h near its centre that night. Maintaining its peak intensity, Bebinca made landfall over Pudong of Shanghai on the morning of 16 September. According to the China Meteorological Administration, Bebinca was the strongest tropical cyclone to hit Shanghai since records began in 1949. It then moved inland and weakened rapidly. Bebinca finally degenerated into an area of low pressure in the vicinity of the boundary between Anhui and Henan in the small hours of 18 September.

According to press reports, Bebinca and its remnant brought torrential rain and squalls to Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan and Shandong. There were four deaths, more than 1.3 million people affected and over one million people evacuated. More than 50 000 hectares of crops were damaged and economic loss exceeded RMB 550 billion. Air and marine transport were affected. A total of 918 flights were cancelled at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. 153 ferry routes at coastal ports in Zhejiang were suspended.

Pulasan (2414) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 1 360 km south-southeast of Iwo Jima on the night of 15 September. It tracked generally northwestwards towards the vicinity of the Ryukyu Islands and intensified gradually. Pulasan intensified into a tropical storm on the night of 16 September, and attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 85 km/h near its centre the next morning. It moved across the vicinity of the Ryukyu Islands and the East China Sea in the following two days. It made landfall over Pudong of Shanghai on the night of 19 September, making it the second tropical cyclone making landfall over Shanghai within four days, following Bebinca. Pulasan then weakened gradually, and turned to move northeastwards or east-northeastwards into the Yellow Sea the next day. It finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the coastal waters southwest of the Korean Peninsula on the afternoon of 21 September.

According to press reports, Pulasan brought torrential rain to Zhejiang, Shanghai, Jiangxi, Fujian, Jiangsu and other places. More than 350 000 people were affected and more than 330 000 people were evacuated. In Shanghai, more than 5 400 hectares of crops were damaged, with economic loss exceeding RMB 30 million. Marine, land and air transport in Shanghai were also affected, with 51 flights cancelled, 54 railway trains and 26 ferry routes suspended. There were reports of tornado in Qingpu of Shanghai. Pulasan and the extratropical cyclone it evolved into also brought torrential rain to the Republic of Korea and Japan, triggering severe flooding and landslides in many places. Record-breaking rainfall was recorded in many places in the southern part of the Republic of Korea. Among them, Changwon of South Gyeongsang recorded 1-hour rainfall of 104.9 millimetres and 24-hour rainfall of 397.7 millimetres on 21 September. More than 1 500 people were evacuated in the Republic of Korea. Over 190 houses and more than 4 100 hectares of crops were damaged. In Japan, there were 16 deaths and 47 injuries. More than 530 houses were damaged. Water and electricity supplies to at least 5 200 and 6 900 households were disrupted respectively.

Soulik (2415) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 530 km northeast of Manila on the morning of 16 September, and moved westwards. After moving across Luzon from that night to the small hours of the next day, it continued to adopt a westerly track across the central part of the SCS. Soulik intensified into a tropical storm, attaining its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 65 km/h over the seas south of Hainan Island in the small hours of 19 September. It made landfall over the central part of Vietnam that afternoon, and finally degenerated into an area of low pressure in Lao PDR on the morning of 20 September.

According to press reports, Soulik, together with the southwest monsoon, brought torrential rain to the Philippines. Around 9 000 people were affected and 2 000 people were evacuated. After the passage of Yagi in early September, Soulik and its remnant brought heavy rain to Vietnam, Lao PDR, Thailand and Myanmar again. In Vietnam, there were at least two deaths, one injury, and more than 90 houses damaged. In Thailand, there were at least five deaths, and over 8 000 hectares of crops damaged. In Myanmar, there were more than 300 deaths, 100 injuries and over 800 000 people affected.

A tropical depression formed over the Taiwan Strait about 180 km east-northeast of Xiamen on the morning on 22 September, with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 55 km/h near its centre. It generally moved southwestwards edging closer to the coast of Fujian, and finally degenerated into an area of low pressure over the coastal waters of Fujian that night.

Cimaron (2416) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 330 km south-southeast of Kagoshima on the night of 23 September, and lingered over the seas south of Japan. Cimaron intensified into a tropical storm, attaining its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 65 km/h on the morning of 25 September. It weakened gradually on the afternoon of 26 September, and finally degenerated into an area of low pressure over the seas south of Japan the next afternoon.

Jebi (2417) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 1 170 km southeast of Iwo Jima on the morning of 26 September, and moved generally northwestwards or north-northwestwards towards the seas south of Iwo Jima. It intensified into a tropical storm on the afternoon of the next day. Jebi moved across the vicinity of Iwo Jima and gradually turned to move north-northeastwards on 29 – 30 September. It intensified into a severe tropical storm in the small hours of 1 October, and attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 110 km/h near its centre that morning. Jebi moved across the seas east of Honshu, Japan and gradually turned to track northeastwards that day. It finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone on the night of 2 October over the seas east of Hokkaido.

Krathon (2418) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 490 km south of Okinawa on the night of 26 September, and moved southwestwards or south- southwestwards at first. It lingered over the seas east of the Luzon Strait and intensified gradually on 28 September. Krathon began to pick up speed to track west-northwestwards, and rapidly intensified into a severe typhoon from a severe tropical storm on 29 September. It further intensified into a super typhoon in the small hours of 30 September, and then moved across the Luzon Strait. Krathon attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 220 km/h near its centre in the small hours of 1 October. It gradually turned to move northeastwards, slowly approaching the southwestern part of Taiwan the next day. Krathon made landfall over Gaoxiong on the afternoon of 3 October, and then weakened rapidly while lingering over the southern part of Taiwan. It finally degenerated into an area of low pressure in the small hours of the next day.

According to press reports, Krathon brought torrential rain to the northern part of the Philippines. A record-breaking 24-hour rainfall of 727.8 millimetres was reported in Batanes Islands. In the Philippines, there were five deaths, one missing, 12 injuries, and over 380 000 people affected. More than 2 800 houses were damaged. Economic loss exceeded PHP 1.5 billion. Krathon and its remnant also brought torrential rain and squalls to Taiwan. A record-breaking daily rainfall of 408 millimetres was reported in Keelung on 3 October. In Taiwan, days of torrential rain and squalls caused four deaths, one missing and 719 injuries. Water and electricity supplies to more than 600 000 and 430 000 households were disrupted respectively. Economic loss exceeded USD 19 million. Marine, land and air traffic were also affected, with over 460 flights cancelled.

Barijat (2419) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 1 000 km south-southeast of Iwo Jima on the morning of 6 October. It moved generally northwards or north-northeastwards across the seas east of Iwo Jima in the following three days. Barijat intensified into a tropical storm and attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 65 km/h near its centre on the night of 9 October. It finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the WNP to the east of Japan on the morning of 11 October.

Trami (2420) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 1 370 km east of Manila in the small hours of 21 October, moved westwards towards the seas east of the Philippines, and intensified gradually. It intensified into a tropical storm in the small hours of the next day and then turned to move west-northwestwards or northwestwards towards Luzon. Trami moved across Luzon on 24 October and entered the central part of the SCS that afternoon. Trami adopted a westerly track across the central part of the SCS in the following two days. Trami intensified into a typhoon on the morning of 26 October and attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 120 km/h near its centre. Under the influence of the relatively high vertical wind shear over the central part of the SCS, Trami weakened gradually afterwards. It turned to track south-southwestwards the next morning and made landfall over the central part of Vietnam around noon. With a relatively weak steering flow, Trami then lingered over the coastal areas and finally degenerated into an area of low pressure on the morning of 28 October.

According to press reports, Trami brought torrential rain and squalls to the Philippines, leading to flooding and landslides, resulting in many casualties and significant economic loss. Under the influence of Trami and its remnant, torrential rain occurred in Hainan on 26 – 31 October, with a maximum cumulative rainfall of 1243.1 millimetres recorded in Qionghai during the period. Flooding and landslides triggered by torrential rain led to ten deaths, more than 550 000 people affected and an economic loss of about RMB 230 million. Trami also brought very heavy rain to Vietnam, causing at least three deaths, one missing and more than 290 houses damaged.

Kong-rey (2421) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 400 km east of Guam on the afternoon of 24 October. In the following four days, it tracked generally westwards or west-northwestwards across the WNP to the east of Luzon, and intensified gradually into a severe tropical storm. Kong-rey turned to move northwestwards towards the southeastern part of Taiwan on 29 October. It intensified rapidly into a super typhoon in the small hours of 30 October, and attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 210 km/h near its centre that morning. Kong-rey weakened rapidly while moving across Taiwan on the afternoon of 31 October and entered the Taiwan Strait that night. It turned to move north-northeastwards towards the coast of Fujian to Zhejiang, and weakened into a tropical storm in the small hours of 1 November. It finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the coastal waters of Zhejiang that night.

According to press reports, Kong-rey and Trami in late October caused a total of 159 deaths, 22 missing and 132 injuries in the Philippines. More than 9.6 million people were affected, more than 200 000 houses and over 130 000 hectares of crops were damaged. Economic loss exceeded PHP 18.4 billion. Kong-rey brought torrential rain and squalls to Taiwan, with 1-hour rainfall reaching 119.5 millimetres over parts of Hualien. Kong-rey caused three deaths and 692 injuries in Taiwan. Water and electricity supplies to more than 60 000 and 970 000 households were disrupted respectively. More than 34 000 hectares of crops were damaged. Economic loss exceeded USD 73 million. Air traffic was also affected, with over 500 flights cancelled. Besides, Kong-rey also brought torrential rain to the coastal areas of eastern China. In Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangsu and Shanghai, more than 420 000 people were affected and more than 50 000 people were evacuated. Over 54 000 hectares of crops were damaged. Economic loss exceeded RMB 650 million. Kong-rey and the extratropical cyclone it evolved into also brought torrential rain to the Republic of Korea and Japan. 24-hour rainfall of 268.5 and 378 millimetres were recorded over parts of Jeju, the Republic of Korea and Kyushu, Japan respectively. In Japan, there were at least one missing and three injuries.

Yinxing (2422) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 110 km southeast of Yap on the morning of 3 November. It moved west-northwestwards or northwestwards towards Luzon and intensified progressively into a typhoon in the following two days. It turned gradually to move westwards on 6 November and further intensified into a super typhoon that night. Yinxing attained its peak intensity the next afternoon with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 220 km/h near its centre. It then moved across the northern tip of Luzon and weakened slightly into a severe typhoon in the small hours of 8 November. Yinxing tracked generally westwards across the northern part of the SCS and intensified again into a super typhoon on 9 November. It turned to move southwestwards over the seas southeast of Hainan Island and weakened rapidly in the following two days. Yinxing finally weakened into an area of low pressure over the coastal waters of central Vietnam on 12 November.

According to press reports, Yinxing caused one death, one missing and one injury during its passage over the northern part of the Philippines. More than 380 000 people were affected, over 28 000 houses were damaged and economic loss exceeded PHP 192 million.

Man-yi (2424) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 1 840 km east of Guam in the small hours of 9 November, moved northwestwards to west-northwestwards, and intensified into a tropical storm that day. It turned to adopt a west-southwesterly track across the seas near Guam in the following four days. It turned gradually from moving westwards to northwestwards towards Luzon on 14 – 16 November. Man-yi intensified into a super typhoon in the small hours of 16 November and attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 220 km/h near its centre that morning. It moved across Luzon on 17 November, entered the central part of the SCS, and weakened rapidly. It then moved generally west-northwestwards across the northern part of the SCS the next day. Man-yi gradually turned to track west-southwestwards on the afternoon of 19 November and finally weakened into an area of low pressure over the seas southeast of Hainan Island in the small hours of 20 November.

According to press reports, Man-yi brought heavy rain and squalls to the Philippines, resulting in flooding and severe damage in many places. It caused many fallen trees, damaged houses and many casualties.

Toraji (2423) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 1 270 km east of Manila on the morning of 9 November. It then moved west to west-northwestwards towards Luzon and intensified into a tropical storm that night. Toraji intensified progressively into a typhoon the next day and attained its peak intensity over the coastal waters east of Luzon with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 130 km/h near its centre on the morning of 11 November. Toraji moved across Luzon during the day that day and gradually turned to move northwestwards and entered the central part of the SCS that evening. Toraji moved towards the coast of Guangdong and weakened gradually into a tropical storm in the following two days. It turned to move westwards slowly across the seas south of Hong Kong on the morning of 14 November. Toraji finally degenerated into an area of low pressure over the seas south of Shangchuan Dao on the morning of 15 November.

According to press reports, Toraji brought heavy rain and squalls to the Philippines, leading to flooding in many places and many casualties.

Usagi (2425) formed as a tropical depression over the WNP about 330 km northeast of Yap on the morning of 11 November, and moved west-northwestwards across the WNP to the east of the Philippines. Usagi intensified rapidly into a typhoon in the small hours of 13 November. It further intensified into a super typhoon, attaining its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 205 km/h near its centre that night. Usagi turned to move northwestwards on the morning of 14 November, and weakened into a severe typhoon upon crossing the northeastern part of Luzon that afternoon. As Usagi moved across the Luzon Strait the next day, it gradually turned to move north-northeastwards towards the southwestern part of Taiwan and weakened rapidly into a tropical storm. Usagi lingered off the southwestern coast of Taiwan on the morning of 16 November and finally degenerated into an area of low pressure in the region that afternoon.

According to press reports, Toraji, Usagi and Man-yi hit the Philippines successively, causing a total of 14 deaths, two missing, 15 injuries and more than 4.3 million people affected. More than 78 000 houses and over 41 000 hectares of crops were damaged. Economic loss exceeded PHP 3.7 billion. During the passage of Usagi over Taiwan, a 24-hour rainfall of 472.5 millimetres was recorded in Dahan Shan of Pingtung. Usagi caused one injury in Taiwan. Electricity supply to more than 1 500 households was disrupted. Around 18 flights were cancelled.

DECEMBER

Pabuk (2426) formed as a tropical depression over the southern part of the SCS about 750 km east of Ho Chi Minh City on the night of 22 December, and moved northwestwards or west-northwestwards. On the morning of 23 December, Pabuk attained its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 55 km/h near its centre. It gradually turned to move southwestwards that night and the next morning. Pabuk weakened gradually on 25 December, and finally degenerated into an area of low pressure over the seas southeast of Vietnam that evening.

According to press reports, the area of low pressure associated with Pabuk brought torrential rain to the western part of the Philippines, causing three deaths and more than 80 000 people affected.