14, 21, 28, 35, 36

Solon, Carreon, Labana, Remedio, Sullano March 15, 2019

11 – Vita Geology
TOA: Performance Task Ms. Escalante

Typhoon Fengshen, or locally known as Typhoon Frank, hit the Philippines in June 19-23,
2008. This tropical cyclone with a wind speed of 172 kph directly hit two countries, the Philippines
and China. It was predicted to just sideswipe Eastern Samar, then leave the country; however, it
intensified and shifted its direction west-northeast, and ripped through the whole Philippine
archipelago. It left destruction along its way with 70 people injured, 177 dead, 807 reported
missing, and 209, 337 families affected.
Typhoon Fengshen caught the Filipinos by surprise as weather forecasters predicted
numerous times that this typhoon would simply pass by and leave. With what it brought to the
Philippines, we can clearly tell that it wasn't just a short and, definitely not, a sweet visit. By June
20, Fengshen swept the southern tip of Masbate as marine vessels were advised to seek shelter in
the nearby islands of Northern Panay and Romblon. On June 21, Fengshen’s wind gust intensified
from 150 kph to 170 kph. Its southern eyewall started enveloping Bantayan Island, North Negros,
and Panay. Throughout the day, it further intensified and enlarged.
When Fengshen was as its peak intensity, it shifted to the Kalibo coastline moving north
towards the Sibuyan Sea. At this time, the Cebu-bound M/V Princess of the Stars was also entering
the Sibuyan Sea to seek shelter in Romblon. However, the ship crew wasn’t aware of the typhoon’s
course and this resulted to 67 deaths and 747 missing passengers and crew members.
The province of Panay was the most affected one with storm surges, flood, and landslides
occurring over the area. Boracay Island was affected as well. By June 22, it was already in Luzon
catching the Tagalogs off guard. As it caused floods in Bulacan, Pampanga, and Tarlac, it
weakened to 150 kph. Finally, it exited the country through Cape Bolinao in Pangasinan.
The unpredictable Typhoon Fengshen directly affected 16 provinces with Iloilo and Aklan
as the most damaged provinces as they experienced floods of that strength for the first time in the
history of the region. Because of this, relief and rescue operations prioritized the region of Western
Visayas.

References:
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. (2008). Philippines: Typhoon
Fengshen.
Retrieved from
https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ACB8A957C64203B5C1
25747200406572-Full_Report.pdf
The twelve worst typhoons of the Philippines. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.typhoon2000.ph/
stormstats/12WorstPhilippineTyphoons.htm