Typhoon Phanfone has already struck Philippines and moved to the South China Sea. The storm was known as Ursula locally in Philippines. Being a powerful enough storm equivalent to Cat 1 Hurricane, it struck on Christmas eve, spoiling the festivities for thousands of Philipinos.
The storm has claimed at least 16 lives when it struck with wind speed of 195 kmph, tearing roofs off houses as well as snapping power cables. Due to internet and phone remaining shut, it has not been possible for assessing the exact damage until now. Several thousands had to evacuate their homes. Flight and ferry services remained suspended causing people to not be able to go to their homes for Christmas.
Generally, Typhoon season comes to an end by November, thus a Typhoon striking at this point in time is a little unusual. The system moved through and through the central parts of Philippines covering a distance of 500-600 km from one end to the other.
The typhoon struck at Samar, during the late night hours of December 24, and spent more than 24 hours moving across the region. The system has now moved into the South China Sea and still remains a Typhoon, possibly strengthening further before weakening.
After about 24 hours or so, the system is expected to weaken into a Tropical Storm, further into a well marked low pressure area after subsequent 12 hours.
Image Credit: JTWC
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