From mid-October to mid-November 2024, the Western Pacific Ocean saw an unprecedented sequence of tropical cyclones, a staggering demonstration of how climate change and warming sea surface temperatures are influencing weather patterns. In just a single month, six named storms—including four super typhoons—affected or neared Luzon in the Philippines, with a record-breaking four active named systems simultaneously in November, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). This marks the first such occurrence since records began in the 1950s.
This article examines each storm’s path, intensity, and impact while highlighting the broader implications of this exceptional weather phenomenon.
The Storms That Defined the Record-Breaking Period
1. Severe Tropical Storm Trami (Kristine)
- Date: Landfall on October 19, 2024
- Intensity: Severe Tropical Storm
- Landfall Area: Southeastern Luzon (Bicol Region)
Trami may not have been the strongest storm in this sequence, but it was the deadliest. Its relatively lower intensity deceived many, as severe tropical storms often lack the dramatic headlines that super typhoons generate. Yet Trami unleashed torrential rains, leading to catastrophic flooding across entire towns in the Bicol Region. It demonstrated the danger of underestimating “weaker” storms, which can be just as destructive due to prolonged rainfall and limited evacuation preparedness.
2. Super Typhoon Kong-rey (Leon)
- Date: Late October 2024
- Intensity: Super Typhoon
- Path: Skirted northeast Luzon; typhoon conditions over Batanes and Luzon Strait
Following Trami, Kong-rey brushed the northeastern coast of Luzon, sparing the mainland from direct landfall but battering Batanes and the Luzon Strait with typhoon-strength winds and heavy rains. Kong-rey then moved on to Taiwan, where it caused significant damage, especially in coastal areas, before continuing northward into cooler waters.
3. Super Typhoon Yingxing (Marce)
- Date: Early November 2024
- Intensity: Super Typhoon
- Path: Skirted northern Luzon
As the first of four consecutive typhoons to strike the Philippines in November, Yingxing brought heavy rains and gusty winds to Santa Ana and Aparri in Cagayan Province. Its proximity to land disrupted daily life in northern Luzon, causing agricultural and infrastructural damage while setting the stage for more devastating storms to come.
4. Super Typhoon Toraji (Nika)
- Date: Early November 2024
- Intensity: Super Typhoon
- Landfall Area: Aurora Province
Toraji made landfall in Aurora Province and crossed the Sierra Madre mountains, dumping massive rainfall across the Cagayan Valley. Its impact was particularly severe due to the cumulative effect of previous storms, which had saturated the soil and elevated river levels. Toraji’s rains exacerbated flooding, setting off landslides and further straining local communities.
5. Super Typhoon Usagi (Ofel)
- Date: Mid-November 2024
- Intensity: Super Typhoon
- Landfall Area: Northeastern Luzon
Usagi followed a path similar to Toraji, making landfall in Cagayan and traveling westward. It wreaked havoc on northeastern Luzon with sustained winds, heavy rain, and widespread power outages. By this point, residents were grappling with a relentless series of storms, with little time to recover between each event.
6. Super Typhoon Man-yi (Pepito)
- Date: Mid-November 2024
- Intensity: Category 5 Super Typhoon
- Landfall Area: Catanduanes and Aurora
Man-yi was the strongest and most destructive storm in this sequence. After initially making landfall as a Category 5 Super Typhoon in Catanduanes, it briefly weakened before re-intensifying and slamming into Aurora Province. Its destructive winds and torrential rains devastated wide swathes of Luzon, leaving severe damage in its wake. Man-yi’s impacts were compounded by already-saturated ground, causing rivers to overflow and triggering flash floods across the region.
Unprecedented Records and Patterns
The sequence of events during this period shattered previous records and highlighted several concerning trends:
- Simultaneous Storms: For the first time in recorded history, four named storms were active in November.
- Storm Intensity: Four super typhoons (Kong-rey, Yingxing, Toraji, and Man-yi) developed in rapid succession, each displaying extraordinary strength.
- Climate Signals: The frequency and severity of these storms underscore the influence of warming sea surface temperatures, a hallmark of climate change. Warmer waters provide the energy storms need to intensify, extending their season well beyond traditional timelines.
Impacts on the Philippines
The Philippines bore the brunt of this extraordinary period of storms.
- Cagayan Valley: Repeated storms caused rivers to overflow, displacing thousands of residents and causing significant agricultural losses.
- Bicol Region: Trami’s floods inundated entire towns, leaving lasting damage to infrastructure and livelihoods.
- Aurora and Northern Luzon: With multiple landfalls in these regions, residents faced widespread damage to homes, power outages, and disrupted access to essential services.
The Role of the Northeast Monsoon
During the latter part of the year, the northeast monsoon (locally known as Amihan) interacts with tropical cyclones, influencing their paths and intensifying rainfall. This weather system played a significant role in the heavy rains experienced even after storms had passed, contributing to delayed flooding and prolonged recovery efforts.
Preparedness Lessons
- Improved Early Warning Systems: Despite technological advancements, the rapid succession of storms stretched resources thin. Authorities must focus on enhancing localized warning systems to better prepare vulnerable communities.
- Flood Management: With repeated flooding a major issue, there is an urgent need for improved infrastructure, such as dams, levees, and drainage systems, to manage the excess water.
- Climate Action: The increasing frequency and intensity of storms highlight the need for global and local efforts to combat climate change and its impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why were there so many storms in such a short time?
The combination of warm sea surface temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions in the Western Pacific created an environment conducive to rapid storm formation and intensification. These factors were amplified by ongoing climate change, which extends the active tropical cyclone season.
2. How unusual is it to have four storms active simultaneously?
Extremely rare. The JMA reported that this was the first time on record that four named tropical systems were active in November in the Western Pacific, a testament to the changing climate.
3. Which storm caused the most damage?
Notably Kristine being the weakest of the six storms had the biggest impacts with heavy rainfall across Luzon.
4. What can residents do to prepare for future storms?
- Stay updated with weather forecasts and advisories.
- Have an emergency kit ready with essentials like food, water, and medicine.
- Know the evacuation centers in your area and have a plan for moving to higher ground if needed.
5. Is this pattern likely to repeat in the future?
Unfortunately, yes. As sea surface temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones are expected to increase, extending their seasonal activity.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for a Changing Climate
The 2024 record-breaking storm sequence in the Western Pacific is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the challenges posed by climate change. For vulnerable regions like the Philippines, preparedness and resilience-building are more critical than ever. From improving infrastructure to bolstering early warning systems, the lessons from this unprecedented event must drive future action.
By addressing these challenges head-on, we can mitigate the impacts of future storms, safeguard communities, and adapt to a rapidly changing climate. As always, awareness and preparation remain key to staying safe in the face of nature’s fury.