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Typhoon Toraji (2024)

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This article is about the typhoon in 2024. For other storms of the same name, see List of storms named Toraji and List of storms named Nika.
Typhoon Toraji (Nika)
Typhoon Toraji making landfall at peak intensity on November 11
Meteorological history
FormedNovember 8, 2024
Typhoon
10-minute sustained (JMA)
Highest winds130 km/h (80 mph)
Lowest pressure975 hPa (mbar); 28.79 inHg
Category 1-equivalent typhoon
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds150 km/h (90 mph)
Lowest pressure970 hPa (mbar); 28.64 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities2+
Injuries2+
Missing2+
Damage$6.71 million (2024 USD)
Areas affectedPhilippines
Part of the 2024 Pacific typhoon season

Typhoon Toraji, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Nika, is an active tropical cyclone that is currently traversing the South China Sea in early November 2024. It was the fourth tropical cyclone in a series to impact the northern Philippines, following Tropical Storm Trami and Typhoons Kong-rey, Yinxing, and Usagi, which had occurred just a few days earlier.

The twenty-third named storm and tenth typhoon of the annual typhoon season, Toraji, developed into a low-pressure area and later into a tropical depression north of Yap on November 8. It moved into the Philippine Area of Responsibility, and PAGASA named the depression Nika the following day. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) then upgraded the system to a tropical storm, naming it Toraji. Satellite imagery shows that Toraji was undergoing rapid intensification, with a small system displaying an elongated, compact central dense overcast feature, measuring around 81–92 miles (130–148 km) in diameter. On November 10, the JMA upgraded the system to a typhoon. The agency reported that by 18:00 UTC, the system had reached its peak intensity, with 10-minute sustained winds of 130 km/h (80 mph) and a central pressure of 975 hPa (28.79 inHg). The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) indicated that the system peaked at Category 1-equivalent intensity on the Saffir–Simpson scale, with 1-minute sustained winds of 150 km/h (90 mph). The following day, Toraji made landfall on Dilasag, Aurora, on Luzon Island, before moving inland over mountainous terrain, resulting in significant weakening. Later that evening, Toraji emerged over the South China Sea, with satellite imagery revealing a tightly wrapped low-level circulation and fragmented deep convection beginning to reorganize over the northern semicircle.

The JMA reported that this was the first time since records began in 1951 that Yinxing, Toraji, Usagi, and Man-yi had all occurred in November.[1] As the storm approached the northern Philippines, evacuation orders were issued for residents in 2,500 villages. PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals for several areas, and classes were suspended in various regions due to the storm's effects. A red alert warning was issued for Aurora, while officials in Aurora and Isabela reported fallen trees and power lines as the main impacts, blocking major roads. At least two people were killed by the storm, while two others were injured and another two were reported missing.

Meteorological history

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Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

The origins of Typhoon Toraji can be traced back to November 8, when the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that a low-pressure area had formed 620 km (386 mi) north of Yap,[2] with satellite imagery showing an organizing low-level circulation center, obscured by flaring convection wrapping around its southern and western peripheries. Environmental analysis indicated a favorable environment for further development, with sea surface temperatures of 30–31 °C (86–88 °F), strong poleward outflow aloft, and low vertical wind shear.[3] At 18:00 UTC on the same day, the JMA classified the system as a tropical depression,[4] and it moved into the Philippine Area of Responsibility, where PAGASA named it Nika the following day.[5] By 02:00 UTC, the United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a tropical cyclone formation alert.[6] At 06:00 UTC the same day, the JMA upgraded the system to a tropical storm named Toraji,[7] which the JTWC later designated as 26W.[8] Satellite imagery shows that Toraji was undergoing rapid intensification, with a small system displaying an elongated, compact central dense overcast (CDO) feature, measuring around 81–92 miles (130–148 km) in diameter. A microwave imaging reveals a complete eyewall surrounding a small microwave eye feature, along with a deep convective band over the southern quadrant.[9]

Four simultaneously active tropical cyclones on November 11. From left to right: Yinxing, Toraji, Usagi, and Man-yi, the first occurrence since 1951

Early the next day, the JMA upgraded it to a severe tropical storm as it moved west-northwestward, with formative bands wrapping tighter around the obscured low-level circulation.[10][11] At 09:00 UTC on that day, the JTWC upgraded the storm to a minimal typhoon, noting a more asymmetric CDO in the eastern quadrant.[12] Satellite imagery reveals a decrease in easterly vertical wind shear, with the CDO becoming more symmetric and building back over the low-level circulation center.[13] At 15:00 UTC on the same day, the JMA upgraded Toraji to a typhoon.[14] The agency reported that by 18:00 UTC, the system had reached its peak intensity, with 10-minute sustained winds of 130 km/h (80 mph) and a central pressure of 975 hPa (28.79 inHg).[15] Toraji eventually peaked at Category 1-equivalent intensity on the Saffir–Simpson scale, with 1-minute sustained winds of 150 km/h (90 mph).[16] The following day, Toraji made landfall on Dilasag, Aurora, on Luzon Island at around 8:10 AM PHT (00:10 UTC),[17] before moving inland over mountainous terrain, which caused significant weakening.[18] Later that evening, Toraji emerged over the South China Sea off the coast of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, with satellite imagery showing a tightly wrapped low-level circulation and fragmented deep convection beginning to reorganize over the northern semicircle.[19][20] As it moved northwestward along the southwestern periphery of a mid-level subtropical high, a small patch of deep convection developed over the northern portion of a partially exposed low-level circulation, resulting in the system weakening into a tropical storm on November 11.[21][22]

Preparations

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Philippines

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Highest Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal issued by the PAGASA for Toraji (Nika)

PAGASA warned of intense to torrential rains in the Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley.[23] It also issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 for the rest of Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, the rest of Pangasinan, La Union, the rest of Benguet, the rest of Aurora, Tarlac, the northern and central portions of Zambales, the rest of Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, the eastern portion of Laguna, the eastern portion of Quezon (including Polillo Islands), Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Albay.[24] Signal No. 2 was upgraded for the northern portion of Aurora, Isabela, Quirino, the southern portion of mainland Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, the southern portion of Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, the northern portion of Nueva Ecija, the southern portion of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and the northeastern portion of Pangasinan.[25] After Toraji intensified into a severe tropical storm, PAGASA raised Signal No. 3 for the southeastern portion of Isabela and the northern portion of Aurora, indicating an expected wind speed of 89–117 km/h (55–73 mph) within the next 18 hours.[26] On November 11, the entirety of Kalinga, Mountain Province, the central and southern portion of Abra, Isabela, the northernmost portion of Aurora, northern and central portions of Ilocos Sur, and the northern portion of Ifugao, were upgraded to Signal No. 4, showing an expectation of winds of 89–117 km/h (55–73 mph).[27] A gale warning was also issued for the coasts of eastern and northern Luzon.[28]

With the storm approaching the northern Philippines, evacuation orders were issued for residents in 2,500 villages[29] affecting at least 8,000 people.[30] A red alert warning has been issued for Aurora.[31] Classes have been suspended in various areas due to the effects of the storm.[32] DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla ordered all local government units threatened by Toraji to implement mandatory evacuations.[33] The La Union Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has began deploying some of the 16 teams prepared for the storm,[34] while President Bongbong Marcos has instructed the DPWH and DOTr to assist in positioning trucks and machinery from their private partners in areas along the path of Toraji.[35] The Magat, Ambuklao and Binga Dams opened spillways as a precaution.[36] An alarm was raised in Tuguegarao after water levels along the Cagayan River rose due to heavy rainfall.[37] The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority suspended number coding in Metro Manila as well as the Pasig River Ferry Service on November 11.[38] A total of 32,000 people were evacuated due to the storm.[39] At least 5,220 people were evacuated in Isabela, while 5,244 others were evacuated in Aurora,[40] and 482 in Nueva Vizcaya[41] Around 40,000 people were evacuated in Cagayan.[42] The Philippine Coast Guard's branches in the Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley were placed on alert.[43]

Elsewhere

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In Hong Kong, the HKO raised the Standby Signal number 1 at 10.20 PM on November 11[44] followed by a Signal 3 at 2.40 PM on November 13[45] then a Signal 8 at 11.10 PM that same day lasting until 10.20 AM on November 14, the latest calendar date for a Signal 8 issuance ever on record, beating Pamela in 1972.[46][47] The public was urged to avoid the shoreline and refrain from participating in water sports.[48] In Macau, the SMG at 12.30 AM on November 12 issued Standby Signal 1, followed by a Signal 3 at 7 PM on November 13.[49][50]

Impact

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Officials in Aurora and Isabela reported that the main impact appeared to be fallen trees and power lines, which blocked major roads[51] and at least 22 bridges.[52] The mayor of Dilasag said that damage to agriculture in the town had reached “80 to 90 percent”.[53] Several bridges and roads in Cagayan and Quirino were also closed,[54] along with 17 sections of road in the Cordillera Administrative Region.[55] A rice field in Cordon, Isabela, was submerged by floodwaters caused by the storm.[56] In Romblon, the roll-on/roll-off passenger vessel MV Maria Oliva ran aground, and 156 people were rescued.[57] Nearly 700 people were stranded in ports directly affected by the typhoon.[58] Two people went missing after being carried away by strong currents in Amulung, while two people died after being electrocuted in separate incidents in Echague and Santa Ana, Cagayan.[59][60] Power outages affected 29 cities and municipalities.[39] Four houses in Baggao were destroyed, while other areas in Cagayan were flooded after water levels along the Cagayan River reached 11.2 m (37 ft),[61][62] about 4 m (13 ft) above normal. Knee-deep flooding also occurred in Santiago, Isabela.[42] Extensive power outages occurred in Isabela.[63]

As of November 14, 2024, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that 309,518 people in five regions were affected, with 46,495 displaced from their homes. 2,158 houses were damaged while 236 others were destroyed, with most of the affected housing located in Cagayan Valley. Infrastructure damage in Central Luzon was valued at ₱320.66 million (US$6.51 million). A total of 153 road sections and 91 bridges were affected, while 21 seaports were closed. Two people were injured. A state of calamity was declared in Dilasag,[64] and in Cabagan, Isabela.[65] Officials in Ilagan estimated that agricultural damage in the city reached ₱9.75 million (US$197,957.36) affecting 336 ha (830 acres) of crops.[66] The DSWD used aircraft from the Philippine Air Force to deliver aid to the Babuyan Islands.[67]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Shackelford, Robert (2024-11-12). "Four storms churning the West Pacific at the same time mean more bad news for the Philippines". CNN. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  2. ^ Warning and Summary 080000 (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. November 8, 2024. Archived from the original on November 9, 2024. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  3. ^ Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans, 01Z 8 November 2024 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 8 November 2024. Archived from the original on November 8, 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  4. ^ Warning and Summary 081800 (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. November 8, 2024. Archived from the original on November 9, 2024. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  5. ^ "Severe Weather Bulletin #1 for Tropical Depression 'Nika'" (PDF). PAGASA. 9 November 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
  6. ^ Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (Invest 92W) (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 9 November 2024. Archived from the original on November 9, 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
  7. ^ Prognostic Reasoning No. 3 for TS Toraji (2423) (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. November 9, 2024. Archived from the original on November 9, 2024. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  8. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Depression 26W (Toraji) Warning No. 1 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 9 November 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
  9. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 26W (Toraji) Warning No. 2 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 9 November 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
  10. ^ Tropical Cyclone Advisory for STS Toraji (2423) (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. November 10, 2024. Archived from the original on November 10, 2024. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  11. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 26W (Toraji) Warning No. 4 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 10 November 2024. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
  12. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Typhoon 26W (Toraji) Warning No. 5 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 10 November 2024. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
  13. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Typhoon 26W (Toraji) Warning No. 6 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 10 November 2024. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
  14. ^ Tropical Cyclone Advisory for TY Toraji (2423) (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. November 10, 2024. Archived from the original on November 10, 2024. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
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  19. ^ "Nika weakens into severe tropical storm, exits land via Ilocos Sur". Rappler. November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  20. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Typhoon 26W (Toraji) Warning No. 10 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 11 November 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
  21. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Typhoon 26W (Toraji) Warning No. 11 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 11 November 2024. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
  22. ^ Prognostic Reasoning No. 11 for TS Yinxing (2422) (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. November 11, 2024. Archived from the original on November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  23. ^ "Floods, landslides threaten Cordillera, Cagayan Valley amid Nika's torrential rains". ABS-CBN. November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
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  32. ^ "WALANG PASOK: Class suspensions for Monday, November 11, 2024". GMA News Online. 2024-11-10. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
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  34. ^ "La Union deploys teams, assets for 'Nika'". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
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  39. ^ a b "Nika leaves Philippine area as Ofel churns closer". ABS-CBN. November 12, 2024. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
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  45. ^ "Typhoon Toraji: Hong Kong to issue T3 at 2.40pm; 3 other storms swirling". South China Morning Post. 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
  46. ^ "Hong Kong maintains MTR services ahead of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8". Dimsum Daily. 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
  47. ^ "Storm Toraji: Hong Kong to lower T8 at 10.20am, afternoon classes to resume". South China Morning Post. 2024-11-14. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
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  55. ^ "17 more road sections impassable in CAR due to Nika onslaught". GMA News. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
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  57. ^ Delfin T. Mallari Jr. (2024-11-11). "156 rescued as passenger ship runs aground in Romblon". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
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  60. ^ "1 dead, 2 missing as Cagayan struggles with flooding due to Nika". Rappler. 2024-11-12. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
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  62. ^ "Floods swamp Cagayan towns". The Manila Times. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  63. ^ "Ibat-ibang electric cooperatives sa Hilagang Luzon, tutulong na sa ISELCO 1 para sa power restoration; 90 percent electrification target ngayong linggo". Bombo Radyo (in Filipino). 2024-11-14. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
  64. ^ "Nika, Ofel cause P320M in infra damage, 300K people affected". GMA News. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  65. ^ "Bayan ng Cabagan, isinailalim sa State of Calamity". Brigada News (in Filipino). 2024-11-14. Retrieved 2024-11-14.
  66. ^ "City of Ilagan nakapagtala ng P9.7 milyon initial damage sa agrikultura sa pananalasa ng bagyong Nika". Bombo Radyo (in Filipino). 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
  67. ^ "DSWD, PAF deliver aid to typhoon-stricken families in Cagayan". GMA News. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
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