Typhoons hit Philippines

Typhoon Ketsana hit the Philippines on Sept. 27, and rains of more than 16 inches in 12 hours plus winds of over 50 miles per hour caused flooding and extensive damage. Over 80% of the capital was under water. In Manila and Luzon, more than 288 people died and over half a million were evacuated. 

Ketsana moved on, its winds strengthening to 100 mph before tearing through Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, killing nearly 200.

Parma, a “super typhoon,” followed in early October with winds of 150 mph. At press time, it had killed another 22 in the Philippines, where three million people were left homeless.