Effects of Typhoon Bopha in Micronesia and Palau

Background

On November 25, 2012, a tropical depression developed to the south of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. Initially tracking northwest and later due west under the influence of a strong subtropical ridge to its north, the system intensified into a tropical storm the following day at which time it received the name Bopha. The storm passed roughly 65 km (40 mi) south of the Nomoi Islands early on November 28. After slowly intensifying for several days Bopha underwent a period of rapid intensification from November 30 to December 1, with its central pressure falling from 990 mbar (hPa; 29.39 inHg) to 945 mbar (hPa; 27.91 inHg). The system reached its initial peak intensity on December 2 with winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) estimated Bopha to have been a much stronger storm, with one-minute sustained winds of 250 km/h (155 mph), a high-end Category 4 on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS).

Around 06:00 UTC, Bopha passed 100 km (65 mi) south of Babeldaob island in Palau while at its initial peak. Shortly thereafter it made its closest approach the nation, tracking roughly 55 km (35 mi) south of Angaur island. After clearing Palau, Bopha ultimately intensified further before making a devastating landfall on Mindanao in the Philippines. The JTWC estimated its peak intensity at 280 km/h (175 mph), a Category 5 on the SSHWS. The storm resulted in up to 1,901 fatalities in the country and tremendous infrastructural damage. Land interaction substantially weakened the system by the time it emerged over the Sulu Sea. Turning north, Bopha briefly weakened to a tropical storm on December 6 before undergoing another period of rapid intensification. After reaching its tertiary peak on December 7, hostile wind shear caused dramatic weakening. In a 24‑hour span, the typhoon's central pressure rose by 55 mbar (hPa; 1.62 inHg) while its winds fell from 170 km/h (105 mph) to 75 km/h (45 mph). Bopha soon degraded to a tropical depression and dissipated off the northwestern coast of Luzon early on December 9.

Preparations

Upon the Joint Typhoon Warning Center's declaration of Tropical Depression 26W on November 26, a tropical storm watch was issued for Nukuoro and Lukunor in the FSM. Hours later, the watch was superseded by a tropical storm warning while new watches were declared for Losap and Chuuk. The watch was expanded during the afternoon of November 27 to include Poluwat. As the storm moved westward through the FSM and intensified on November 28, a typhoon watch was issued for Woleai; tropical storm warnings for the Nomoi Islands, Poluwat, and Satawal; a tropical storm watch was also put in place for Faraulep. Throughout November 29, watches and warnings were discontinued across the FSM, with all being canceled by the evening hours. During the morning of November 30, the remaining advisories were discontinued; however, new typhoon watches were issued for Koror, Ngulu Atoll, and a tropical storm watch for Yap and Sonsorol.

Prior to the storm's arrival, the Micronesia Red Cross Society began stockpiling relief materials on Yap and Chuuk. Emergency communication testing, via satellite phones, was also conducted with regional offices. On November 30, residents in Palau were urged to secure their homes in preparation for the typhoon. They were also advised to stock up on emergency supplies that would last for at least three days. The storm delayed shipment of emergency food supplies to a boarding school on a remote island in Micronesia.

Beginning on November 27 and continuing through December 3, the National Emergency Management Office in Palau issued more than ten detailed public announcements warning residents of the approaching storm and how to prepare. In response, numerous families boarded up their homes and sought refuge in the 45 public shelters opened across the republic. On December 1, a United States Navy vessel arrived in Palau in case requests for assistance were made after the storm. As a precautionary measure, the nations electric grid was shut down at 6:00 p.m. local time on December 2. All flights to and from Roman Tmetuchl International Airport were suspended during the morning of December 3. A strict curfew was put in place for the city of Koror for the duration of the typhoon.

Impact

Across Micronesia, impact from the typhoon was fairly limited. Winds on Nukuoro were estimated at 45–75 km/h (30–45 mph), resulting in minor damage to buildings and crops. Losses on the atoll reached $10,000. Lukunor, located farther west, experienced similar winds; however, damage was slightly more severe. Notable coastal impact took place, with portions of the dock and sea wall damaged. Damage across Lukunor and nearby islands amounted to $20,000.

During the early hours of December 3, Typhoon Bopha made its closest approach to Palau, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to much of the archipelago. Winds up to 215 km/h (130 mph) impacted Angaur and 160 km/h (100 mph) in Peleliu. Widespread damage took place across the republic, with the most severe occurring in the states of Angaur, Peleliu, Ngchesar, Melekeok, Ngiwal, and Ngaraard. Initial assessments stated that 92 homes were destroyed and 59 others were severely damaged; however, later reports stated that nearly 200 were destroyed. This left roughly 350 people homeless. Along eastern facing coasts, storm surge caused extensive coastal damage and, in some cases, pushed several hundred feet inland, cutting off roads and leaving behind several feet of debris. Hundreds of residents were forced to evacuate to higher ground as a result of the flooding. According to preliminary reports, Angaur Island experienced extensive damage from the storm. At least six homes were destroyed and travel was severely hampered due to downed trees and debris blocking roads. On Peleliu, eight large coral masses were driven onto the reef surrounding the island. Crops and vegetation across the island sustained heavy damage; however, most homes were reportedly "ok".

On the main island of Babeldaob, the coastal states of Melekeok, Ngiwal, and Ngaraard reported that nearly all homes along the shore were damaged or destroyed by storm surge. Power and water service was almost completely lost across the three states as well. In Koror, wind gusts up to 110 km/h (70 mph) downed trees and power lines. Rainfall at the local National Weather Service office reached 84 mm (3.32 in). Water and power systems across the republic were severely disrupted, with some areas remaining without service more than a week after the storm. Two schools in Ngaraard also sustained severe damage. Despite the severity of the storm, there were no reports of casualties. Across Palau, total damage to crops and property reached U$10.1 million while the cost to repair damage from the storm was estimated at US$15–20 million.

Aftermath

After the storm had moved through the region on December 2, officials began allowing evacuees to return home on December 3. The same day, all airports and roads were re-opened; however, some roads on Koror remained impassable due to damage from storm surge. Additionally, electricity shut off prior to the storm was restored on Koror. On December 5, the President of Palau declared a state of emergency and US$10 million was authorized by congress for relief efforts. The Palau Red Cross Society began distributing clean-up kits and communal tools in the eastern states of Melekeok, Ngaraard, and Ngiwal by December 7. Further distributions on the southern islands of Anguar and Peleliu began the following day. A week after the typhoon's passage, damage assessments across Palau had been completed and authorities had begun a large-scale reconstruction of damaged properties. The operation, known as the Bopha Catastrophe Relief Committee, was being coordinated by Dr. Patrick Tellei, president of Palau Community College. The committee planned to build 30 homes across the republic: 10 in Ngaraard and 5 each in Angaur, Melekeok, Ngiwal, and Peleliu. By December 12, telecommunications and water supplies were 95 percent restored while power had been brought back to 90 percent of capacity. Although water had been restored to most areas by December 13, residents were advised to continue boiling water, especially in more populated locales until further notice. Schools resumed classes on December 17 across the republic; however, several institutions were either temporarily relocated or had half days due to damage from the storm. On December 23, the Government of Palau announced that, "in the holiday spirit", December 24 and 31 would be declared national holidays for 2012 in light of the typhoon. In some areas, residents burned vegetative debris left behind by the storm.

By December 12, Palau received a US$100,000 grant from USAID and US$25,000 from the Bank of Guam for relief efforts. On December 13, the Government of Japan offered ¥5 million (US$60,000) worth of emergency goods, such as jerry cans and water purifiers, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The following day, the Republic of Korea provided US$50,000 in humanitarian assistance to Palau through the local Red Cross.