October 11, 2009
Approximately 41 people were killed when Typhoon Parma returned to the Philippines after a brief departure, causing severe landslides and flooding in numerous areas.
Manila, Philippines | Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
On October 11, 2009, Typhoon Parma returned to the Philippines, causing catastrophic damage primarily in the northern regions of Luzon. The typhoon, locally known as “Pepeng,” initially struck on October 3 and hovered over the area due to conflicting weather systems, leading to severe weather conditions upon its return.
Originally classified as a Category 4 typhoon, Parma weakened but continued to wreak havoc as it moved erratically around the northern Philippines, making multiple landfalls. Its return brought intense rainfall, resulting in extreme flooding and numerous landslides, particularly in the mountainous provinces.
Approximately 41 people lost their lives as a direct result of the landslides and flooding triggered by the typhoon’s resurgence. The torrential rains led to significant casualties and widespread destruction, with thousands of homes being damaged or destroyed. The agricultural sector suffered heavily, with vast tracts of farmland inundated, leading to severe impacts on local economies dependent on agriculture.
The Philippine government, along with local and international agencies, mobilized extensive emergency response efforts. Evacuations were conducted, and relief operations were organized to provide food, water, and medical aid to affected communities. The aftermath of Typhoon Parma highlighted vulnerabilities in infrastructure and emergency preparedness, prompting discussions on improving disaster response and resilience.
Following Parma’s eventual departure, significant efforts were undertaken to rehabilitate affected areas. The devastation from both Typhoon Parma and its predecessor, Typhoon Ketsana (locally known as “Ondoy”), which hit the country just days earlier, underscored the need for improved early warning systems and disaster risk reduction strategies.
Overall, the impact of Typhoon Parma in October 2009 remains a significant event in the Philippines’ history of natural disasters, exemplifying the challenges posed by severe weather phenomena in Southeast Asia.
Source: reliefweb.int