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Typhoon Dujuan
Status: Closed
| Type of posting | Posting date(EST): | Summary | Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landfall | 9/30/2015 10:00:00 AM |
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Landfall | Summary
Posting Date: September 30, 2015, 10:00:00 AM
With high winds and heavy rain, Typhoon Dujuan made landfall on the northeast coast of Taiwan, near Nan’ao Township in Yilan County, Monday, September 28, at approximately 09:00 UTC. An intense storm with 10-minute sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts as strong as 246 km/h (153 mph), according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Typhoon Dujuan—known as Typhoon Jenny in the Philippines—caused at least two deaths and hundreds of injuries in Taiwan. The storm also caused power outages to half a million households, disrupted travel, and impacted some water treatment facilities.
After passing over Taiwan and then crossing the Taiwan Strait, Typhoon Dujuan made landfall in Putian in the mountainous Fujian Province in southeastern China on Wednesday, September 30, at approximately 00:00 UTC. The China Meteorological Agency estimated wind speeds of minimum typhoon strength (119 km/h, 74 mph) at landfall. In anticipation of the storm’s arrival, China had called tens of thousands of ships to shore and shuttered some regional tourist attractions.
Meteorological Summary and Forecast
Typhoon Dujuan made its first landfall in Taiwan, near Nan’ao Township in Yilan County, around 09:00 UTC September 28. The JMA estimated that Dujuan had a minimum central pressure of 930 mb and maximum 10-minute sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph). Wind gusts of more than 157 km/h (98 mph) were reported in Taiwan, with gusts as strong as 246 km/h (153 mph) recorded in Su’ao Township near where Dujuan made landfall. Near the capital city of Taipei, wind gusts of 148 km/h (92 mph) were reported at Taoyuan International Airport, and a gust of 130 km/h (81 mph) was reported in the central business district. Heavy rainfall amounts were recorded in Taiwan, especially in mountainous locations, with 914 mm of rainfall reported on Taiping Mountain in Yilan County.
Dujuan quickly weakened after landfall due to Taiwan’s rugged terrain. After emerging from Taiwan’s west coast, Dujuan made a second landfall in China in Putian, Fujian Province, as a weak typhoon, with wind speeds estimated by the China Meteorological Administration at just over 119 km/h (74 mph). Dujuan will continue to weaken as it penetrates further inland, although the potential for heavy rainfall and isolated flooding still exists.
Reported Impacts
Typhoon Dujuan brought extremely heavy rain to some portions of Taiwan, with two to three feet (600 to 900 mm) of rain reported in some areas. Coastal highways throughout the counties of Yilan and Hualien were closed, as were highways through some mountainous areas, generating concern about people being stranded in areas popular with tourists. Heavy traffic in and around Taipei resulted in backups of several kilometers, while the storm also caused the cancellation or delay of hundreds of flights. In addition, the storm impacted water treatment plants serving Taipei, resulting in loss of water to as many as 200,000 households. In preparation for Typhoon Dujuan, approximately 3,000 people had been evacuated from Taiwan’s Green Island and Orchid Island—popular tourist attractions—on Sunday, September 27, and throughout much of the island nation schools and offices were ordered closed Monday and Tuesday.
Tropical Storm Dujuan brought heavy rain to China—75 to 150 mm (3-6 inches) has been reported from Xiamen north to Fuding—and the drenching is expected to continue well into Wednesday. In addition, intense gales and high waves battered the coast of Zhejiang Province, to the north of landfall. In anticipation of the heavy rain and wind, tens of thousands of boats were ordered to port, and many tourist attractions were closed. Also, because of the high risk of flooding and mudslides, the China Meteorological Administration had issued a “yellow” typhoon warning for regions expected to be impacted by the storm.
Exposure at Risk
The northeastern portion of Taiwan, where the capital Taipei is located, is likely to be most affected from the high winds and heavy rain of Typhoon Dujuan because of the concentration of exposure there. Low- to mid-rise buildings in Taiwan typically have reinforced concrete frames with brick infill walls. Some masonry residential buildings can also be found, although the majority of these were built prior to 1950. In recent years, these residences have given way to mid-rise apartment buildings and three-story residences, with both types generally of masonry construction. Most buildings in the country are fairly new, however, and recent residences tend to be high-rise complexes built in clusters, predominantly reinforced concrete and many with ceramic façades (although some are steel). Because Taiwan’s residential buildings usually have commercial establishments on the first floor, the vulnerability of residential and commercial lines of business is very similar.
In densely populated coastal southeastern China, many homes and businesses are at risk from typhoons. Houses and apartment buildings are commonly constructed from confined masonry or reinforced concrete, with clay tile roofs. Commercial and industrial structures are also largely of reinforced concrete, but older structures are of unreinforced masonry and some confined masonry. Confined masonry and reinforced concrete structures perform reasonably well in the face of typhoon winds, but damage from flooding from storm surge and/or precipitation is a major concern. Flooding is a major concern for both residences and business from Typhoon Dujuan because of the heavy, multi-day rainfall. Insurance take-up for typhoon coverage is low in China, particularly for residential risks. When there is coverage, wind and flood are generally covered together in the same policy.
Track of Typhoon Dujuan at six-hour increments (red dots), assuming straight movement between dots. Coordinates from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
