# Typhoon Babs > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Typhoon_Babs > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Typhoon_Babs.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoon_Babs > Source revision: 1335924969 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Pacific typhoon in 1998}} {{Good article}} {{Other storms|List of storms named Babs|a Pacific typhoon in 1998|List of storms named Loleng}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2024}} {{Infobox weather event | name = Typhoon Babs (Loleng) | image = Babs 1998-10-20 1300Z.png | caption = Typhoon Babs approaching the [Philippines](/source/Philippines) on October 20 | formed = October 14, 1998 | extratropical = October 27, 1998 | dissipated = October 30, 1998 }}{{Infobox weather event/JMA | winds = 85 | pressure = 940 }}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC | winds = 135 | pressure = 904 | basin = WPAC }}{{Infobox weather event/Effects | year = 1998 | fatalities = 327 total | missing = 29 | damage = 203000000 | areas = [Philippines](/source/Philippines), [Taiwan](/source/Taiwan), [China](/source/China), [Japan](/source/Japan), [Russian Far East](/source/Russian_Far_East) | refs = }}{{Infobox weather event/Footer | season = [1998 Pacific typhoon season](/source/1998_Pacific_typhoon_season) }} '''Typhoon Babs''', named '''Loleng''' by [PAGASA](/source/PAGASA), was a powerful typhoon that struck the [Philippines](/source/Philippines) days after [Typhoon Zeb](/source/Typhoon_Zeb) hit the same area. The seventh typhoon of the inactive [1998 Pacific typhoon season](/source/1998_Pacific_typhoon_season), Babs formed on October 14 between the Philippines and Guam. The storm moved westward initially, failing to intensify initially due to the [outflow](/source/Outflow_(meteorology)) from Typhoon Zeb to the northwest. Babs slowed and briefly turned to the south before advancing to the northwest, whereupon it [explosively intensified](/source/rapidly_intensified) into a strong typhoon. On October 20, the official [Japan Meteorological Agency](/source/Japan_Meteorological_Agency) (JMA) estimated peak 10‑minute winds of {{convert|85|kn|km/h mph|0|abbr=on|order=out}}, while the unofficial [Joint Typhoon Warning Center](/source/Joint_Typhoon_Warning_Center) (JTWC) estimated peak 1‑minute winds of {{convert|135|kn|km/h mph|abbr=on|order=out}}, making Babs an unofficial [super typhoon](/source/Typhoon). The storm struck the Philippine island of [Catanduanes](/source/Catanduanes) at that intensity and weakened slightly before hitting [Luzon](/source/Luzon). Babs turned northward once in the [South China Sea](/source/South_China_Sea), later weakening due to unfavorable conditions and transitioning into an [extratropical cyclone](/source/extratropical_cyclone) on October 27 in the [Taiwan Strait](/source/Taiwan_Strait). Damage was heaviest where Babs first made landfall along the Philippine island of Catanduanes. Torrential rainfall rose waters by {{convert|9|m|ft|abbr=on}} along a river, which inundated houses up to their roofs. Heavy rainfall affected much of Luzon and the northern Philippines, causing widespread flooding and landslides that isolated towns. Strong winds, peaking at {{convert|260|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} in [Virac, Catanduanes](/source/Virac%2C_Catanduanes), left widespread areas without power. There was also heavy crop damage, with 222,882 tonnes of rice destroyed. Babs damaged or destroyed 403,623 houses in the Philippines, with overall damage estimated at ₱6.787 billion ([Philippine peso](/source/Philippine_peso), $159 million [United States dollar](/source/United_States_dollar)s); the typhoon also killed 303 people. Later, the storm's high waves injured surfers in [Hong Kong](/source/Hong_Kong). Heavy rainfall affected [Fujian](/source/Fujian), causing ¥280 million ([Chinese yuan](/source/Chinese_yuan), US$58 million) in damage and five deaths. Torrential rainfall in Taiwan, reaching {{convert|1306|mm|in|abbr=on}} in [Yilan City](/source/Yilan_City), flooded towns and caused landslides; there were three deaths on the island. The remnants later affected the Japanese island of [Okinawa](/source/Okinawa_Island) with rainfall and high waves. == Meteorological history == {{Storm path|Babs 1998 path.png|colors=new}} A tropical disturbance developed east-southeast of [Guam](/source/Guam) on October 11, just four days after [Typhoon Zeb](/source/Typhoon_Zeb) originated in the same area. The American-based [Joint Typhoon Warning Center](/source/Joint_Typhoon_Warning_Center) (JTWC) issued a [tropical cyclone formation alert](/source/tropical_cyclone_formation_alert) on October 12, indicating [development](/source/tropical_cyclogenesis) was imminent.{{cite report|author=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|author-link=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|publisher=United States Navy|access-date=June 8, 2015|title=Super Typhoon Babs (20W)|url=http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/atcr/1998atcr.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042626/http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/atcr/1998atcr.pdf|url-status=dead}} However, the system did not develop into a tropical depression until 06:00 [UTC](/source/Coordinated_Universal_Time) on October 14, based on analysis from the [Japan Meteorological Agency](/source/Japan_Meteorological_Agency) – the official [warning center](/source/Regional_Specialized_Meteorological_Center) for the western [Pacific Ocean](/source/Pacific_Ocean).{{cite report|publisher=Japan Meteorological Agency|title=RSMC Best Track Data (Text) 1990-1999|access-date=June 8, 2015|url=http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/jma-eng/jma-center/rsmc-hp-pub-eg/Besttracks/bst9099.txt|format=TXT|archive-date=January 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122183440/http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/jma-eng/jma-center/rsmc-hp-pub-eg/Besttracks/bst9099.txt|url-status=dead}} Three hours later, the JTWC began tracking the system as Tropical Depression 20W. At that time, the storm had moved south of Guam and was passing north of [Palau](/source/Palau).{{Cite web|author=Gary Padgett|title=Monthly Global Tropical Cyclone Summary October 1998|access-date=June 8, 2015|url=http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/1999/summ9810.htm}} The nascent depression moved generally westward toward the [Philippines](/source/Philippines). Initially, development was hindered by the [outflow](/source/outflow_(meteorology)) from Typhoon Zeb, which had struck [Luzon](/source/Luzon) and was moving northward. However, the depression was able to intensify into a tropical storm on October 15, at which time the JTWC named it ''Babs''. Later that day, the storm reached 1‑minute winds of {{convert|85|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, and it entered the area of responsibility of [PAGASA](/source/PAGASA) – the Philippine weather agency – which gave it the local name ''Loleng''.{{cite web|title=1998 PAGASA Tropical Cyclone Track Data - Typhoon Loleng|date=November 27, 1998|access-date=June 8, 2015|url=http://www.typhoon2000.ph/loleng98.txt}} On October 17, a [tropical upper tropospheric trough](/source/tropical_upper_tropospheric_trough) to the northeast weakened the [subtropical ridge](/source/subtropical_ridge), causing Babs to slow and drift to the south; the same trough restricted outflow, causing the circulation to become exposed from the [convection](/source/convection_(meteorology)). The trough weakened and the shear decreased on October 18, allowing the storm to restrengthen. On October 19, a ship in the proximity of Babs reported 10‑minute winds of {{convert|96|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, indicating that the storm was intensifying. At 00:00 UTC that day, the JTWC upgraded the storm to typhoon status, and the JMA followed suit 18 hours later. Babs [explosively intensified](/source/rapid_intensification) subsequently as it developed a well-defined [eye](/source/eye_(cyclone)) {{convert|15|km|mi|abbr=on}} in diameter. At 12:00 UTC on October 20, the JMA assessed that the typhoon reached peak 10‑minute winds of {{convert|155|km/h|mph|abbr=on|round=5}}, while the JTWC estimated peak 1‑minute winds of 250 km/h (155 mph) with a minimum [barometric pressure](/source/atmospheric_pressure) of {{convert|904|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}, making Babs an unofficial [super typhoon](/source/Typhoon). The [gale](/source/gale)-force winds extended {{convert|335|km|mi|abbr=on}} northeast from the center, while the strongest winds extended {{convert|75|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the eye. Around the time of peak intensity, Babs made [landfall](/source/landfall_(meteorology)) on the Philippine island of [Catanduanes](/source/Catanduanes), where a weather station recorded a pressure of {{convert|928|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}} in [Virac](/source/Virac%2C_Catanduanes). However, the official lowest pressure from the JMA was {{convert|940|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}. The winds decreased slightly as Babs moved across Catanduanes, although it soon moved over open waters into [Lamon Bay](/source/Lamon_Bay), where it struck [Polillo Island](/source/Polillo_Island). According to the JTWC, Babs had weakened to winds of {{convert|175|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} on October 22 before quickly re-intensifying to winds of {{convert|215|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} as it approached Luzon. At 18:00 UTC on October 22, Babs made landfall on Luzon about {{convert|45|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of [Baler](/source/Baler%2C_Aurora), or {{convert|185|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of where Zeb struck only eight days prior. The typhoon weakened further while crossing central Luzon, and it passed about {{convert|75|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of [Metro Manila](/source/Metro_Manila) before emerging into the [South China Sea](/source/South_China_Sea) on October 23. By that time, the JMA had downgraded Babs to a tropical storm, although the agency soon re-upgraded the storm to typhoon status. For several days, Babs remained at the same intensity, sporting an eye with a wide area of gale-force winds. A trough gradually steered the storm toward the north, weakening the ridge. The same trough caused an increase in [wind shear](/source/wind_shear) that led to Babs weakening. The storm reached its westernmost point on October 25 – about {{convert|275|km|mi|abbr=on}} southeast of [Hong Kong](/source/Hong_Kong). Turning northeastward into the [Taiwan Strait](/source/Taiwan_Strait), even stronger wind shear caused Babs to fall apart, and the storm weakened into a tropical depression just off the southeast coast of [China](/source/China). On October 27, the JMA declared Babs as [extratropical](/source/extratropical_cyclone). The remnants accelerated to the northeast, passing south of [Kyushu](/source/Kyushu) before dissipating on October 30. == Preparations == Shortly after Babs entered the PAGASA area of responsibility, government workers began closely tracking the storm and warned residents to be prepared.{{cite news|author=Sol Jose Vanzi|newspaper=Philippine Headline News|title=New Typhoon Threatens Central Philippines|date=October 16, 1998|access-date=June 9, 2015|url=http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl000991.htm}} PAGASA issued a [Public Storm Warning Signal #4](/source/Typhoons_in_the_Philippines) for Catanduanes, with lower warnings issued throughout Luzon and the [Visayas](/source/Visayas).{{cite news|author=Sol Jose Vanzi|newspaper=Philippine Headline News|title=Babs Now a Super Typhoon|date=October 21, 1998|access-date=June 9, 2015|url=http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001012.htm}} Metro Manila was placed under Public Storm Warning Signal #3 on October 22.{{cite news|author=Sol Jose Vanzi|newspaper=Philippine Headline News|title=Typhoon Signal 3 Over Manila, Bicol, Tagalag Provinces|date=October 22, 1998|access-date=June 9, 2015|url=http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001015.htm}} In Catanduanes, evacuees utilized public schools as an emergency shelter, although many rode out the storm in their homes.{{cite news|author=Sol Jose Vanzi|newspaper=Philippine Headline News|title=Avoiding 'Babs' - Thousands Evacuated, Stranded in Bicol|date=October 22, 1998|access-date=June 9, 2015|url=http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001014.htm}} The storm halted ferry service throughout the region, stranding thousands.{{cite news|author=Sol Jose Vanzi|newspaper=Philippine Headline News|title=Typhoon 'Babs' Cuts off Power, Grounds Ferries|date=October 21, 1998|access-date=June 9, 2015|url=http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001011.htm|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610215125/http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001011.htm|url-status=dead}} Many residents in Samar slept in buses and cars for two days due to the cancellations. Bus service to the region was also halted. The stock and currency exchanges were closed during the storm.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=October 21, 1998|title=Philippine stock, currency markets close because of typhoon}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} Officials advised residents in Metro Manila to remain indoors; government buildings and schools were closed, while [Ninoy Aquino International Airport](/source/Ninoy_Aquino_International_Airport) halted all domestic flights. In addition, 14 international flights were canceled.{{cite news|author=Sol Jose Vanzi|newspaper=Philippine Headline News|title=Typhoon Cancels Local, International Flights|date=October 23, 1998|access-date=June 9, 2015|url=http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001017.htm}} Manila South Harbor also kept all boats at port.{{cite news|author=Sol Jose Vanzi|newspaper=Philippine Headline News|title=Supertyphoon 'Babs' Closes Airports, Ports, Govt Offices, Schools|date=October 21, 1998|access-date=June 9, 2015|url=http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001013.htm}} Across the Philippines, Babs forced about 400,000 people to leave their houses. Many families waited to evacuate until the onslaught of the strongest winds, resulting in additional casualties. The [Hong Kong Observatory](/source/Hong_Kong_Observatory) issued a [warning signal](/source/Hong_Kong_tropical_cyclone_warning_signals) #3 due to the storm's threat to the territory on October 24.{{cite report|title=Tropical Cyclones in 1998|publisher=Hong Kong Observatory|access-date=June 8, 2015|url=http://www.hko.gov.hk/publica/tc/tc1998.pdf}} Beaches closed during the storms, and fishing boats were forced to remain at port. Several airports in Taiwan were closed. Two Russian ships were forced to ride out the storm in [Xiamen](/source/Xiamen).{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=October 26, 1998|title=Typhoon forces Russian ships to seek safe port in China}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} == Impact == === Philippines === When Babs moved over Catanduanes, the weather station at Virac recorded wind gusts of {{convert|260|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. In [Daet, Camarines Norte](/source/Daet%2C_Camarines_Norte), near the typhoon's final Philippine landfall, sustained winds reached {{convert|129|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, with gusts to {{convert|185|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. Farther north in Luzon, Babs produced gusts of {{convert|192|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} in [Baler, Aurora](/source/Baler%2C_Aurora). The typhoon also dropped torrential rainfall that caused flooding and landslides. On [Mount Pinatubo](/source/Mount_Pinatubo), the rains resulted in a {{convert|1.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} high landslide consisting of volcanic material, although nearby rivers at flood stage contained it. Workers at the [Ambuklao](/source/Ambuklao_Dam) and [Binga](/source/Binga_Dam) dams had to release waters after the storm, which flooded rice fields and fish ponds along the [Agno River](/source/Agno_River). Elsewhere, heightened rivers in [Camarines Sur](/source/Camarines_Sur) flooded 24 towns.{{cite news|author=Sol Jose Vanzi|newspaper=Philippine Headline News|title=Bsbs: Bicol Towns, Roads Submerged by Swollen Rivers|date=October 23, 1998|access-date=June 10, 2015|url=http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001021.htm|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610215404/http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001021.htm|url-status=dead}} Five towns in [Rizal](/source/Rizal_(province)) province were flooded along a lake, including about 70% of the city of [Angono](/source/Angono%2C_Rizal).{{cite news|author=Sol Jose Vanzi|newspaper=Philippine Headline News|title=Massive Floods as Babs Floods Metro-Manila, Rizal|date=October 23, 1998|access-date=June 10, 2015|url=http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001018.htm|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610222350/http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001018.htm|url-status=dead}} Flooding also affected portions of Manila.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=October 23, 1998|title=Typhoon Babs heads for southern China; at least 119 dead in Philippines}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} Just like [Typhoon Zeb](/source/Typhoon_Zeb) days earlier, Babs was very destructive to the Philippines, mostly throughout Luzon and into the Visayas. In Catanduanes where it first struck, several hours of torrential rainfall in the hills caused the Bato River to rise {{convert|9|m|ft|abbr=on}}, which reached as high as the houses' roofs in some areas. Most houses lost their roofs and many had damage to walls, with furniture and other property drenched.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=October 24, 1998|author=Oliver Teves|title=With BC-Pacific-Typhoon Typhoon-battered province picking up the pieces, aga}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} About 80% of the buildings in the city of Virac were destroyed, and winds were strong enough to knock air conditioners out of windows.{{cite news|author=Sol Jose Vanzi|newspaper=Philippine Headline News|title=Worst Typhoon to Hit Catanduanes in Living Memory|date=October 24, 1998|access-date=June 11, 2015|url=http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001023.htm|archive-date=June 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612221539/http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001023.htm|url-status=dead}} There was an island-wide power outage after high seas washed away a [power generating barge](/source/Powership).{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|author=Claro Cortes|date=October 22, 1998|title=Typhoon Babs sweeps across Philippines toward Manila}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} On [Masbate](/source/Masbate), a landslide collapsed the entrance of a gold mining cave, with 14 of the 25 member crew rescued. High waves destroyed 125 homes in [Catbalogan](/source/Catbalogan) on Samar Island, while three fishermen required rescue. Along its path through the Philippines, the high winds caused widespread power outages for several days. Many roads and highways were flooded for days or blocked by landslides, and several bridges were wrecked. In the [Bicol Region](/source/Bicol_Region) of southern Luzon, the storm knocked over many coconut trees, and flooding damaged about {{convert|88000|ha|acre|abbr=on}} of rice fields in [Nueva Ecija](/source/Nueva_Ecija). Nationwide, the storm destroyed 222,882 tonnes of rice. Agriculture damage was estimated at ₱2.3 billion ([Philippine peso](/source/Philippine_peso)s, $54 million [United States dollar](/source/United_States_dollar)s). Overall, Babs destroyed 96,581 houses and damaged another 307,042, leaving about 130,000 people homeless. There were 303 deaths in the country with another 751 injured, mostly in the Bicol Region. This included 71 deaths in Catanduanes and 41 in Camarines Sur. Most of the deaths were related to landslides, flooding, electrocutions, snakebites, and cleanup accidents. In Catanduanes, residents dug [mass grave](/source/mass_grave)s due to the high number of fatalities.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=October 24, 1998|author=Oliver Teves|title=Typhoon Babs heads for southern China; at least 132 dead in Philippines}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} Total damage was estimated at ₱6.787 billion (PHP, US$159 million),{{cite web|url=http://baseportal.com/cgi-bin/baseportal.pl?htx=/miso/typhoons&range=180,20|title=Destructive Typhoons 1970-2003|date=November 9, 2004|author=National Disaster Coordinating Council|publisher=Government of the Philippines|access-date=June 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041109175210/http://baseportal.com/cgi-bin/baseportal.pl?htx=%2Fmiso%2Ftyphoons&range=180%2C20|archive-date=November 9, 2004|location=Manila, Philippines|url-status=dead}} which as of 2011 was the 9th costliest typhoon in the Philippines and the 5th costliest at the time.{{cite report|page=8|url=http://unfccc.int/resource/docs/natc/phlnc2.pdf|access-date=June 9, 2015|title=Second National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change}} === Elsewhere === thumb|right|Satellite image of Typhoon Babs in the South China Sea Due to the interaction between the monsoon and the storm, Babs produced gusty winds across Hong Kong, with a peak gust of {{convert|121|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} recorded at two locations. The mountainous peak of [Tate's Cairn](/source/Tate's_Cairn) recorded the highest sustained wind of {{convert|87|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. The winds were strong enough to knock down trees and damage scaffolding. Beaches were closed during the storm's passage, and boats rode out the storm at port.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=October 26, 1998|access-date=August 10, 2015|title=Typhoon Babs belts Taiwan and Hong Kong|newspaper=Deseret News|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/659398/Typhoon-Babs-belts-Taiwan-and-Hong-Kong.html?pg=all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924044814/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/659398/Typhoon-Babs-belts-Taiwan-and-Hong-Kong.html?pg=all|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2015}} Precipitation from the typhoon fell over three days, reaching {{convert|85|mm|in|abbr=on}}. Five surfers required rescues amid high seas, with a peak [storm surge](/source/storm_surge) of {{convert|0.91|m|ft|abbr=on}}. There were 14 injuries related to Babs in the territory. The dissipating remnants of Babs interacted with the winter monsoon to drop heavy rainfall on [Taiwan](/source/Taiwan), particularly in the northern and eastern portions of the island. [Yilan City](/source/Yilan_City) recorded {{convert|1306|mm|in|abbr=on}} over three days, and [Hualien City](/source/Hualien_City) recorded {{convert|949|mm|in|abbr=on}}.{{cite journal|journal=Monthly Weather Review|volume=137|title=Numerical Study of the Rainfall Event due to the Interaction of Typhoon Babs (1998) and the Northeasterly Monsoon|date=July 2009|author=Chun-Chieh Wu|author2=Kevin Cheung|author3=Ya-Yin Lo|issue=7|doi=10.1175/2009MWR2757.1|pages=2049–2064|bibcode = 2009MWRv..137.2049W |doi-access=free}} One station recorded {{convert|508|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rainfall in 24 hours. This led to flooding in eastern Taiwan, reaching waist-deep heights in some locations, which forced hundreds to leave their home.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|date=October 25, 1998|title=Typhoon Babs heads toward south China, flooding Taiwan}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} The rains also caused landslides that isolated villages, and a swollen [Keelung River](/source/Keelung_River) cut off two towns east of Taipei.{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=October 25, 1998|title=Hong Kong braces for killer typhoon as Philippines counts toll}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} The storm killed three people on the island, including a fishermen swept away by high waves, and a couple buried under a landslide.{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=October 27, 1998|title=Taiwan couple killed in mudslide as Typhoon Babs approaches}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} Across the Taiwan Strait, Babs killed five people and injured three others in the Chinese province of [Fujian](/source/Fujian). In [Zhangzhou](/source/Zhangzhou), the storm damaged or destroyed 124 boats. Heavy rainfall destroyed 1,461 homes or greenhouses, with damage estimated at ¥280 million ([Chinese yuan](/source/Chinese_yuan), US$58 million).{{cite news|agency=Xinhua|date=October 29, 1998|title=Typhoon Babs Claims Five Lives in Fujian}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} Damage was concentrated in Fujian, with little effects reported in neighboring [Jiangxi](/source/Jiangxi) or [Guangdong](/source/Guangdong).{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=October 29, 1998|title=Typhoon Babs claims five lives in China}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} The remnants also brought rainfall to southern Japan, including Okinawa, where precipitation reached {{convert|172|mm|in|abbr=on}} in [Yonaguni](/source/Yonaguni)jima. The same station recorded winds of {{convert|43|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}.{{cite report|author=Digital Typhoon|title=Typhoon 199811 (Babs)|access-date=June 8, 2015|url=http://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/cgi-bin/dt/dsummary.pl?id=199811&basin=wnp&lang=en}} High waves flooded a portion of [Route 58](/source/Japan_National_Route_58) on [Okinawa](/source/Okinawa_Island), damaging three vehicles and flooding 28 buildings. The storm also caused one landslide on the island.{{cite report|author=Digital Typhoon|title=Weather Disaster Report (1998-936-16)|access-date=June 8, 2015|url=http://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/cgi-bin/dt/report.pl?id=1998-936-16&lang=en}} == Aftermath == A few days after Babs struck the Philippines, then-[Philippine president](/source/President_of_the_Philippines) [Joseph Estrada](/source/Joseph_Estrada) declared four provinces as a state of calamity and ordered the release of ₱200 million (PHP) in emergency funds. Estrada later released an additional ₱50 million (PHP) specifically for Catanduanes, as well as ₱10,000 sent to the family of each storm fatality.{{cite news|author=Sol Jose Vanzi|newspaper=Philippine Headline News|title=ERAP Inspects Bicol Damage, Grants P50-M for Catanduanes Rehab|date=October 25, 1998|access-date=June 11, 2015|url=http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001025.htm|archive-date=April 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401071143/http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001025.htm|url-status=dead}} The Philippine Navy sent rubber boats to [Bato, Catanduanes](/source/Bato%2C_Catanduanes) to help with relief there. The president ordered agencies to work together to respond to the disaster and for his Trade Secretary to watch for [price gouging](/source/price_gouging).{{cite news|author=Sol Jose Vanzi|newspaper=Philippine Headline News|title=Typhoon Damage: P200-M Calamity Funds Released|date=October 23, 1998|access-date=June 10, 2015|url=http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001019.htm|archive-date=April 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401071143/http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001019.htm|url-status=dead}} However, [food prices](/source/food_prices) tripled following Babs and Zeb, especially after roads were blocked from agriculture areas, and ferries from unaffected areas were unable to travel due to the storm.{{cite news|author=Sol Jose Vanzi|newspaper=Philippine Headline News|title=Food Prices Triple as Floods Paralyze Luzon, Visayas|date=October 23, 1998|access-date=June 11, 2015|url=http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001022.htm|archive-date=June 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606230758/http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001022.htm|url-status=dead}} After Babs passed the hardest hit areas, workers were initially unable to distribute food and medicine due to ferry service being halted. Many provinces and islands were isolated after the storm, necessitating helicopter travel to be reached by national aid workers.{{cite news|author=Sol Jose Vanzi|newspaper=Philippine Headline News|title='Babs' Death Toll Tops 145 and Climbing, Destruction Massive|date=October 24, 1998|access-date=June 11, 2015|url=http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001024.htm|archive-date=April 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401071144/http://www.newsflash.org/199810/hl/hl001024.htm|url-status=dead}} The Department of Public Works and Highways worked quickly to clear the landslides and reopen closed roads. The country's National Food Authority provided about 73,000 sacks of rice to storm victims, and the country planned to import 300,000 tonnes of rice to overcome the lost crops.{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=October 28, 1998|title=Philippines to import 300,000 tonnes of rice}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} The [Philippine Red Cross](/source/Philippine_Red_Cross) deployed search and rescue teams, as well as distributing food and coffee to 35,500 people.{{cite report|access-date=June 12, 2015|title=Philippine: Typhoon & Floods|date=October 26, 1998|publisher=International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|url=http://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/rpts98/ph003.pdf}} The [International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement](/source/International_Red_Cross_and_Red_Crescent_Movement) launched a global request for assistance worth about $2.2 million to help 240,000 people.{{cite news|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=October 28, 1998|title=Red Cross seeks international aid for Philippine typhoon victims}}{{subscription required|via=Lexis Nexis}} == See also == {{Portal|Tropical cyclones|Philippines}} *[Tropical cyclones in 1998](/source/Tropical_cyclones_in_1998) *[Typhoon Irma (1981)](/source/Typhoon_Irma_(1981)) *[Typhoon Vera (1983)](/source/Typhoon_Vera_(1983)) *[Typhoon Ruby (1988)](/source/Typhoon_Ruby_(1988)) *[Typhoon Nanmadol (2004)](/source/Typhoon_Nanmadol_(2004)) *[Typhoon Rammasun](/source/Typhoon_Rammasun) (2014) *[Typhoon Vamco](/source/Typhoon_Vamco) (2020) *[Typhoon Man-yi](/source/Typhoon_Man-yi) (2024) *[Typhoon Fung-wong (2025)](/source/Typhoon_Fung-wong_(2025)) == References == {{Reflist|2}} == External links == {{Commons category}} *[http://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital-typhoon/summary/wnp/s/199811.html.en JMA General Information] of Typhoon Babs (9811) from Digital Typhoon *[http://www.data.jma.go.jp/fcd/yoho/data/typhoon/T9811.png JMA Best Track Data (Graphics)] of Typhoon Babs (9811) *[http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/jma-eng/jma-center/rsmc-hp-pub-eg/besttrack.html JMA Best Track Data (Text)] *[http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/best_tracks/1998/1998s-bwp/bwp201998.txt JTWC Best Track Data] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235201/http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/best_tracks/1998/1998s-bwp/bwp201998.txt |date=March 3, 2016 }} of Super Typhoon 20W (Babs) *[http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tcdat/tc98/WPAC/20W.BABS/ 20W.BABS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220172947/https://www.nrlmry.navy.mil//tcdat/tc98/WPAC/20W.BABS/ |date=February 20, 2024 }} from the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory {{Retired Philippine typhoon names}} {{1998 Pacific typhoon season buttons}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Babs (1998)}} Category:1998 Pacific typhoon season Category:Retired Philippine typhoon names Category:1998 disasters in the Philippines Category:Typhoons in the Philippines --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Typhoon Babs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoon_Babs) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoon_Babs?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.