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{{About|the Pacific typhoon of 1978|the hurricane of the same name in the Atlantic|Hurricane Rita}} {{Short description|Pacific typhoon in 1978}}
{{Other hurricane uses|Tropical Storm Rita}} {{Other hurricane uses|List of storms named Rita}}
{{Redirect-distinguish|Typhoon Kading|Super Typhoon Karding|Typhoon Kadiang}}
{{Infobox hurricane {{Infobox weather event
| Name = Typhoon Rita (Kading) | name = Typhoon Rita (Kading)
| Type = super typhoon
⚫ | image = Typhoon Rita 10-22 (cropped).png
⚫ | Year = 1978
⚫ | caption = Typhoon Rita near peak intensity on October 24
| Basin = WPac
⚫ | formed = October 17, 1978
⚫ | Image location = Typhoon Rita 2212 October 22.png
⚫ | dissipated = October 29, 1978
⚫ | Image name = Typhoon Rita near peak intensity
}}{{Infobox weather event/JMA
⚫ | Formed = October 17, 1978
⚫ | winds = 120
⚫ | Dissipated = October 29, 1978
| 10-min winds = 120 | pressure = 880
}}{{Infobox weather event/JTWC
⚫ | 1-min winds = 150
| Pressure = 878 | winds = 150
| pressure = 878
⚫ | Areas = ], ], ]
| Damages = 100 | basin = WPac
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| Fatalities = 300+ total, 354 missing
⚫ | year = 1978
⚫ | Hurricane season = ]
| fatalities = ≥300 total
⚫ }}
| missing = 354
⚫ '''Typhoon Rita''', known in the Philippines as '''Typhoon Kading''', was the most powerful tropical cyclone during the ] and one of the ]. A long-lived and destructive tropical cyclone, Rita began its journey east of the ] and rapidly moved westwards, becoming a typhoon on October 20. Rita continued rapid intensification and attained super typhoon status and later an atmospheric pressure of {{convert|878|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}} on October 25. Rita struck the ] overnight on October 26 and entered the ] as a minimal typhoon. Rita caused extreme damage and more than 300 deaths.<ref name="Rita Report">{{cite web|date=1979|url=http://www.hko.gov.hk/publica/tc/tc1978.pdf|title=Meteorological Results - 1978|publisher=Hong Kong Royal Observatory|accessdate=May 17, 2013}}</ref>
⚫ | areas = ], ], ]
| damage = 100000000
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
⚫ | season = ]
⚫ }}
⚫ '''Typhoon Rita''', known in the Philippines as '''Typhoon Kading''', was the most powerful ] during the ] and one of the ]. A long-lived and destructive tropical cyclone, Rita began its journey east of the ] and rapidly moved westwards, becoming a typhoon on October 20. Rita continued rapid intensification and attained super typhoon status and later an atmospheric pressure of {{convert|878|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}} on October 25. Rita struck the ] overnight on October 26 and entered the ] as a minimal typhoon. Rita caused extreme damage and more than 300 deaths.<ref name="Rita Report">{{cite web|date=1979|url=http://www.hko.gov.hk/publica/tc/tc1978.pdf|title=Meteorological Results - 1978|publisher=Hong Kong Royal Observatory|accessdate=May 17, 2013}}</ref>


==Meteorological history== ==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Rita 1978 track.png}} {{storm path|Rita 1978 path.png|colors=new}}
The Rita originated from a tropical depression that originated east of the ], near the ], on October 17. It ] while moving westward and became a typhoon on October 20, about {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}} south-southwest of ]. Rita continued rapid intensification and became a Category 4-equivalent super typhoon on October 23.<ref name="Rita Report"/> Rita originated from a tropical depression that originated east of the ], near the ], on October 17. It ] while moving westward and became a typhoon on October 20, about {{convert|500|mi|km|abbr=on}} south-southwest of ]. Rita continued rapid intensification and became a Category 4-equivalent super typhoon on October 23.<ref name="Rita Report"/>


At 6:22 ], local time, on October 24, a ] reported a minimum ] reading of {{convert|888|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|lk=on}} and ]s of {{convert|130|kn|mph}}. Rita continued to move westward and late in the evening of the same day, Rita passed {{convert|60|mi|km|abbr=on}} of Guam, where heavy damages to banana plantations were reported. Rita continued moving rapidly westward towards ] at a speed of {{convert|23|kn|mph}}. Rita's central ] fell to a minimum of {{convert|878|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}{{#tag:ref|The ] is a joint ]&nbsp;– ] task force that issues tropical cyclone warnings for the western Pacific Ocean and other regions, and therefore, the pressure recorded by the task force may be unofficial.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|title=Joint Typhoon Warning Center Mission Statement|year=2011|accessdate=2011-11-30|url=https://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc/menu/JTWC_mission.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070726103400/https://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc/menu/JTWC_mission.html|archivedate=2007-07-26}}</ref>|group="nb"}} when it was about {{convert|650|mi|km|abbr=on}} east of ] at noon on October 25. Satellite pictures received later in the afternoon revealed a distinct ] and good ] outflow associated with the circulation of Rita. During the following night, on October 26, Rita made ] over ], causing disastrous damage and leaving 200,000 homeless. ], located on the east coast of Luzon, reported gusts of {{convert|50|kn|mph}} when the storm passed just to the south of it. ], located {{convert|60|mi|km}} south of Baler, reported a minimum ] pressure of {{convert|971.5|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Rita Report"/> At 6:22 ], local time, on October 24, a ] reported a minimum ] reading of {{convert|888|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|lk=on}} and ]s of {{convert|130|kn|mph}}. Rita continued to move westward and late in the evening of the same day, Rita passed {{convert|60|mi|km|abbr=on}} of Guam, where heavy damages to banana plantations were reported. Rita continued moving rapidly westward towards ] at a speed of {{convert|23|kn|mph}}. Rita's central ] fell to a minimum of {{convert|878|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}{{#tag:ref|The ] is a joint ]&nbsp;– ] task force that issues tropical cyclone warnings for the western Pacific Ocean and other regions, and therefore, the pressure recorded by the task force may be unofficial.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Joint Typhoon Warning Center|title=Joint Typhoon Warning Center Mission Statement|year=2011|accessdate=2011-11-30|url=https://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc/menu/JTWC_mission.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070726103400/https://metocph.nmci.navy.mil/jtwc/menu/JTWC_mission.html|archivedate=2007-07-26}}</ref>|group="nb"}} when it was about {{convert|650|mi|km|abbr=on}} east of ] at noon on October 25. Satellite pictures received later in the afternoon revealed a distinct ] and good ] outflow associated with the circulation of Rita. During the following night, on October 26, Rita made ] over ], causing disastrous damage and leaving 200,000 homeless. ], located on the east coast of Luzon, reported gusts of {{convert|50|kn|mph}} when the storm passed just to the south of it. ], located {{convert|60|mi|km}} south of Baler, reported a minimum ] pressure of {{convert|971.5|mbar|inHg|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Rita Report"/>
]

Rita entered the ] on October 27 and gradually accelerated in speed as it moved west-northwest towards ]. Its circulation remained intense with a large area of ] even though it weakened significantly after striking the ]. A fishing boat called the ''San Jose II'' went aground on a reef about {{convert|400|mi|km|abbr=on}} southwest of Manila during the evening of October 27. In ], the Stand By Signal, No. 1, was hoisted at 11:45 A.M. on October 27, when Rita was situated about {{convert|430|mi|km|abbr=on}} to the southeast. Since an intense surge of ] was expected to reach the ] coast. The combinations of the effects of Rita and the monsoon were forecast to cause strong winds in ] overnight. The Strong Wind Signal, No. 3, was hoisted at 4:30 ] although Rita was still situated {{convert|390|mi|km|abbr=on}} south-southwest of Hong Kong and was moving west-northwest at {{convert|8|kn|mph}} towards ]. At 5:00 A.M., ] reported winds of {{convert|58|kn|mph}} with gusts of {{convert|72|kn|mph}}.<ref name="Rita Report"/> Rita entered the ] on October 27 and gradually accelerated in speed as it moved west-northwest towards ]. Its circulation remained intense with a large area of ] even though it weakened significantly after striking the ]. A fishing boat called the ''San Jose II'' went aground on a reef about {{convert|400|mi|km|abbr=on}} southwest of Manila during the evening of October 27. In ], the Stand By Signal, No. 1, was hoisted at 11:45 A.M. on October 27, when Rita was situated about {{convert|430|mi|km|abbr=on}} to the southeast. Since an intense surge of ] was expected to reach the ] coast. The combinations of the effects of Rita and the monsoon were forecast to cause strong winds in ] overnight. The Strong Wind Signal, No. 3, was hoisted at 4:30 ] although Rita was still situated {{convert|390|mi|km|abbr=on}} south-southwest of Hong Kong and was moving west-northwest at {{convert|8|kn|mph}} towards ]. At 5:00 A.M., ] reported winds of {{convert|58|kn|mph}} with gusts of {{convert|72|kn|mph}}.<ref name="Rita Report"/>

Due to the influx of cold and dry air because the winter monsoon, the typhoon weakened rapidly and moved slowly southwestwards away from Hong Kong. during daytime on October 28. The system was closest to Hong Kong at 8:00 A.M. The central ] was estimated to be about {{convert|990|mbar|inHg}}. On October 29, satellites received unveiled that the system became disorganized and the center of the system ill-defined. The monsoon still caused ] over the ] even though Rita had moved away from Hong Kong and weakened into a weak tropical storm. A cargo ship, the ''M.V. Toubkal'' went aground on the ], {{convert|460|mi|km|abbr=on}} south-southeast of Hong Kong, and broke in two. Rita continued to weaken and degenerated into an area of ], off the coast of ], on October 29.<ref name="Rita Report"/> Due to the influx of cold and dry air because the winter monsoon, the typhoon weakened rapidly and moved slowly southwestwards away from Hong Kong. during daytime on October 28. The system was closest to Hong Kong at 8:00 A.M. The central ] was estimated to be about {{convert|990|mbar|inHg}}. On October 29, satellites received unveiled that the system became disorganized and the center of the system ill-defined. The monsoon still caused ] over the ] even though Rita had moved away from Hong Kong and weakened into a weak tropical storm. A cargo ship, the ''M.V. Toubkal'' went aground on the ], {{convert|460|mi|km|abbr=on}} south-southeast of Hong Kong, and broke in two. Rita continued to weaken and degenerated into an area of ], off the coast of ], on October 29.<ref name="Rita Report"/>


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{{Most intense Pacific typhoons|align=right}} {{Most intense Pacific typhoons|align=right}}
] ]
Before approaching the Philippines, flights to Guam were all canceled and ] evacuated all of its B-52 bombers to ] in ] and naval aircraft were sent to ] in the Philippines.<ref name="Guam">{{cite news|author=United Press International|author-link=United Press International|newspaper=Bangor Daily News|date=October 24, 1978|accessdate=May 18, 1978|title=Typhoon Blows Past Guam|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A848AAAAIBAJ&sjid=6i0MAAAAIBAJ&pg=2830,3307482&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en}}</ref> Before approaching the Philippines, flights to Guam were all canceled and ] evacuated all of its B-52 bombers to ] in ] and naval aircraft were sent to ] in the Philippines.<ref name="Guam">{{cite news|author=United Press International|author-link=United Press International|date=October 24, 1978|title=Typhoon Blows Past Guam|newspaper=Bangor Daily News|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A848AAAAIBAJ&sjid=6i0MAAAAIBAJ&pg=2830,3307482&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|accessdate=20 February 2021}}</ref>


While approaching the Philippines, authorities had all aircraft evacuated to ] and ]. All ]s in and out of ] were canceled. ] scrubbed all ]s and its airplanes were evacuated to the ]. Schools and businesses in ] and most of northern Luzon were closed.<ref name="Ritanews1">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=J0tOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Gu4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6734,4809202&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|newspaper=The Spokesperson-Review|title=Philippine Islands hit by Typhoon|author=Associated Press|author-link=Associated Press|date=October 27, 1978|accessdate=May 18, 2013}}</ref> While approaching the Philippines, authorities had all aircraft evacuated to ] and ]. All ]s in and out of ] were canceled. ] scrubbed all ]s and its airplanes were evacuated to the ]. Schools and businesses in ] and most of northern Luzon were closed.<ref name="Ritanews1">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=J0tOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Gu4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6734,4809202&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|newspaper=The Spokesperson-Review|title=Philippine Islands hit by Typhoon|agency=Associated Press|date=October 27, 1978|accessdate=May 18, 2013}}</ref>


===Guam=== ===Guam===
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===Philippines=== ===Philippines===
There were no ''immediate'' reports of casualties or damage in northern Luzon. However, Luzon was pounded by Rita's violent {{convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} wind gusts and extremely torrential rains. Widespread power outages in ] and Southern Luzon were reported when Rita passed {{convert|36|mi|km}} north of the city, cutting off satellite communications links. ] and national disaster officials reported that more than 4,000 people were moved to safer ground and evacuation continued.<ref name="Ritanews1"/> A youth was reported to be electrocuted by a falling wire near the capital and a Luzon couple was seriously injured when a tree fell on their house.<ref name="Ritanews2">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=k21NAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3PoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2501,8605619&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|title=Typhoon Smashes Philippines|author=Associated Press|author-link=Associated Press|newspaper=The Lakeland Ledger|date=October 27, 1978|accessdate=May 18, 2013}}</ref> Power lines in many provinces were toppled. Some areas experienced wind gusts as much as {{convert|125|mph|km/h}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=km1NAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3PoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6520,8576318&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|title='Extremely Dangerous' Typhoon Heading Towards Philippines|author=Associated Press|author-link=Associated Press|newspaper=The Lakeland Ledger|date=October 26, 1978|accessdate=May 18, 2013}}</ref> Death toll from the storm was reported to have risen to more than 200 on October 31.<ref name="Ritanews3">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YotJAAAAIBAJ&sjid=boQMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1593,6283551&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|title=Philippines Storm Toll Now 200|author=United Press International|author-link=United Press International|newspaper=The Youngstown Vindicator|date=October 31, 1978|accessdate=May 18, 2013}}</ref> A reported 354 other ] were missing. The storm cut across rice-rich fields of the ] plains with {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} winds. More than 50,000 homes were destroyed and displaced 291,610 families, a total of 1,444,465 people. Damage to infrastructure and agricultural crops was placed at more than $100&nbsp;million (1979 ]) and about 750,000&nbsp;acres of ] was damaged. ] ] declared 5 provinces ]s.<ref name="Ritanews3"/> He later ordered the suspension of the exporting of rice as a result of the extensive damage. Some areas experienced flooding that was waist-deep.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=S3w1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=3DIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4557,211287&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|title=Rice Exports Suspended|author=United Press International|author-link=United Press International|newspaper=Rome News-Tribane|date=October 30, 1978|accessdate=May 18, 2013}}</ref> It was reported that a Red Cross team sent to check reported that a dam had overflown and drowned 30 villagers outside the town of ]. In the Norzagaray area, 18 people were reported dead and 24 others missing. In the ] area, where the ] is located, 6 people were dead and 20 were missing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tZ1WAAAAIBAJ&sjid=j-YDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2130,10838716&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|title=Typhoon Rita's Toll Reaches 82|author=Associated Press|author-link=Associated Press|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|date=October 30, 1978|accessdate=May 18, 2013}}</ref> U.S. Navy planes and helicopters saved 40 crewmen from a wrecked ] ship that sunk in the South China Sea. The ship hit shoals {{convert|210|mi|km|abbr=on}} northwest of Manila. It had blown there by the typhoon's powerful winds and high seas.<ref>{{cite news|author=Associated Press|author-link=Associated Press|title=Typhoon Toll Reaches 82|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=__4hAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SdMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2820,5894899&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|newspaper=The Daytona Beach Morning Journal|date=October 30, 1978|accessdate=May 19, 2013}}</ref> The ] waters caused 14,474 houses were partly or seriously damaged or by the extremely powerful wind gusts by the storm, in which Manila reported gusts of up to {{convert|93|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Super Typhoon Rita was the worst typhoon to strike the Philippines in 8 years since ] in ].<ref>{{cite news|author=Associated Press|author-link=Associated Press|title=34 Dead In Rita's Wake|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lW1NAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3PoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1929,9015527&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|newspaper=The Lakeland Ledger|date=October 29, 1978|accessdate=May 19, 2013}}</ref> There were no ''immediate'' reports of casualties or damage in northern Luzon. However, Luzon was pounded by Rita's violent {{convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} wind gusts and extremely torrential rains. Widespread power outages in ] and Southern Luzon were reported when Rita passed {{convert|36|mi|km}} north of the city, cutting off satellite communications links. ] and national disaster officials reported that more than 4,000 people were moved to safer ground and evacuation continued.<ref name="Ritanews1"/> A youth was reported to be electrocuted by a falling wire near the capital and a Luzon couple was seriously injured when a tree fell on their house.<ref name="Ritanews2">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=k21NAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3PoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2501,8605619&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|title=Typhoon Smashes Philippines|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Lakeland Ledger|date=October 27, 1978|accessdate=May 18, 2013}}</ref> Power lines in many provinces were toppled. Some areas experienced wind gusts as much as {{convert|125|mph|km/h}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=km1NAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3PoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6520,8576318&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|title='Extremely Dangerous' Typhoon Heading Towards Philippines|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Lakeland Ledger|date=October 26, 1978|accessdate=May 18, 2013}}</ref> Death toll from the storm was reported to have risen to more than 200 on October 31.<ref name="Ritanews3">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YotJAAAAIBAJ&sjid=boQMAAAAIBAJ&pg=1593,6283551&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|title=Philippines Storm Toll Now 200|author=United Press International|author-link=United Press International|newspaper=The Youngstown Vindicator|date=October 31, 1978|accessdate=May 18, 2013}}</ref> A reported 354 other ] were missing. The storm cut across rice-rich fields of the ] plains with {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} winds. More than 50,000 homes were destroyed and displaced 291,610 families, a total of 1,444,465 people. Damage to infrastructure and agricultural crops was placed at more than $100&nbsp;million (1979 ]) and about 750,000&nbsp;acres of ] was damaged.
] ] declared 5 provinces ]s.<ref name="Ritanews3"/> He later ordered the suspension of the exporting of rice as a result of the extensive damage. Some areas experienced flooding that was waist-deep.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=S3w1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=3DIDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4557,211287&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|title=Rice Exports Suspended|author=United Press International|author-link=United Press International|newspaper=Rome News-Tribane|date=October 30, 1978|accessdate=May 18, 2013}}</ref> It was reported that a Red Cross team sent to check reported that a dam had overflown and drowned 30 villagers outside the town of ]. In the Norzagaray area, 18 people were reported dead and 24 others missing. In the ] area, where the ] is located, 6 people were dead and 20 were missing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tZ1WAAAAIBAJ&sjid=j-YDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2130,10838716&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|title=Typhoon Rita's Toll Reaches 82|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|date=October 30, 1978|accessdate=May 18, 2013}}</ref> U.S. Navy planes and helicopters saved 40 crewmen from a wrecked ] ship that sunk in the South China Sea. The ship hit shoals {{convert|210|mi|km|abbr=on}} northwest of Manila. It was blown there by the typhoon's powerful winds and high seas.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=Typhoon Toll Reaches 82|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=__4hAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SdMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2820,5894899&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|newspaper=The Daytona Beach Morning Journal|date=October 30, 1978|accessdate=May 19, 2013}}</ref> The ] waters and the extremely powerful wind gusts of the storm caused 14,474 houses to be partly or seriously damaged; Manila reported gusts of up to {{convert|93|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Super Typhoon Rita was the worst typhoon to strike the Philippines in 8 years since ] in ].<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|title=34 Dead In Rita's Wake|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lW1NAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3PoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1929,9015527&dq=typhoon+philippines&hl=en|newspaper=The Lakeland Ledger|date=October 29, 1978|accessdate=May 19, 2013}}</ref>
{{Clear}} {{Clear}}


==See also== ==See also==
{{portal|tropical cyclones}} {{portal|tropical cyclones}}
*
*]
*] - Achieved a similar intensity while approaching the Philippines
*]
*] - The most intense tropical cyclone on record
*]
*] - Also had a relatively fast forward speed while approaching the Philippines, much stronger and deadlier landfall
*] - Also maintained super typhoon intensity for a long time before striking Luzon


==Notes== ==Notes==
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] ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 12:26, 22 December 2024

Pacific typhoon in 1978 For other storms of the same name, see List of storms named Rita. "Typhoon Kading" redirects here. Not to be confused with Super Typhoon Karding or Typhoon Kadiang.
Typhoon Rita (Kading)
Typhoon Rita near peak intensity on October 24
Meteorological history
FormedOctober 17, 1978
DissipatedOctober 29, 1978
Violent typhoon
10-minute sustained (JMA)
Highest winds220 km/h (140 mph)
Lowest pressure880 hPa (mbar); 25.99 inHg
Category 5-equivalent super typhoon
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds280 km/h (175 mph)
Lowest pressure878 hPa (mbar); 25.93 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities≥300 total
Missing354
Damage$100 million (1978 USD)
Areas affectedGuam, Philippines, Vietnam
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 1978 Pacific typhoon season

Typhoon Rita, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Kading, was the most powerful tropical cyclone during the 1978 Pacific typhoon season and one of the most intense tropical cyclones on record. A long-lived and destructive tropical cyclone, Rita began its journey east of the Marshall Islands and rapidly moved westwards, becoming a typhoon on October 20. Rita continued rapid intensification and attained super typhoon status and later an atmospheric pressure of 878 mbar (25.9 inHg) on October 25. Rita struck the Philippines overnight on October 26 and entered the South China Sea as a minimal typhoon. Rita caused extreme damage and more than 300 deaths.

Meteorological history

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 circle Tropical cyclone square Subtropical cyclone triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

Rita originated from a tropical depression that originated east of the Marshall Islands, near the International Date Line, on October 17. It rapidly intensified while moving westward and became a typhoon on October 20, about 500 mi (800 km) south-southwest of Wake Island. Rita continued rapid intensification and became a Category 4-equivalent super typhoon on October 23.

At 6:22 A.M., local time, on October 24, a reconnaissance aircraft reported a minimum pressure reading of 888 mbar (26.2 inHg) and maximum surface winds of 130 knots (150 mph). Rita continued to move westward and late in the evening of the same day, Rita passed 60 mi (97 km) of Guam, where heavy damages to banana plantations were reported. Rita continued moving rapidly westward towards Luzon at a speed of 23 knots (26 mph). Rita's central pressure fell to a minimum of 878 mbar (25.9 inHg) when it was about 650 mi (1,050 km) east of Manila at noon on October 25. Satellite pictures received later in the afternoon revealed a distinct eye and good cirrus outflow associated with the circulation of Rita. During the following night, on October 26, Rita made landfall over Luzon, causing disastrous damage and leaving 200,000 homeless. Baler, located on the east coast of Luzon, reported gusts of 50 knots (58 mph) when the storm passed just to the south of it. Infanta, located 60 miles (97 km) south of Baler, reported a minimum sea-level pressure of 971.5 mbar (28.69 inHg).

Rita on October 23, 1978

Rita entered the South China Sea on October 27 and gradually accelerated in speed as it moved west-northwest towards Hainan. Its circulation remained intense with a large area of strong winds even though it weakened significantly after striking the Philippines. A fishing boat called the San Jose II went aground on a reef about 400 mi (640 km) southwest of Manila during the evening of October 27. In Hong Kong, the Stand By Signal, No. 1, was hoisted at 11:45 A.M. on October 27, when Rita was situated about 430 mi (690 km) to the southeast. Since an intense surge of winter monsoon was expected to reach the Southern Chinese coast. The combinations of the effects of Rita and the monsoon were forecast to cause strong winds in Hong Kong overnight. The Strong Wind Signal, No. 3, was hoisted at 4:30 PM although Rita was still situated 390 mi (630 km) south-southwest of Hong Kong and was moving west-northwest at 8 knots (9.2 mph) towards Hainan. At 5:00 A.M., Shangchuandao reported winds of 58 knots (67 mph) with gusts of 72 knots (83 mph).

Due to the influx of cold and dry air because the winter monsoon, the typhoon weakened rapidly and moved slowly southwestwards away from Hong Kong. during daytime on October 28. The system was closest to Hong Kong at 8:00 A.M. The central pressure was estimated to be about 990 millibars (29 inHg). On October 29, satellites received unveiled that the system became disorganized and the center of the system ill-defined. The monsoon still caused gale-forced winds over the South China Sea even though Rita had moved away from Hong Kong and weakened into a weak tropical storm. A cargo ship, the M.V. Toubkal went aground on the Scarborough Shoal, 460 mi (740 km) south-southeast of Hong Kong, and broke in two. Rita continued to weaken and degenerated into an area of low pressure, off the coast of South Vietnam, on October 29.

Preparations and impact

Most intense Pacific typhoons
Typhoon Season Pressure
hPa inHg
1 Tip 1979 870 25.7
2 June 1975 875 25.8
Nora 1973
4 Forrest 1983 876 25.9
5 Ida 1958 877 25.9
6 Rita 1978 878 26.0
7 Kit 1966 880 26.0
Vanessa 1984
9 Nancy 1961 882 26.4
10 Irma 1971 884 26.1
11 Nina 1953 885 26.1
Joan 1959
Megi 2010
Source: JMA Typhoon Best Track Analysis
Information for the North Western Pacific Ocean.
Rita off the coast of Luzon during peak strength

Before approaching the Philippines, flights to Guam were all canceled and U.S. Strategic Air Command evacuated all of its B-52 bombers to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa and naval aircraft were sent to Cubi Point in the Philippines.

While approaching the Philippines, authorities had all aircraft evacuated to Guam and Okinawa. All international flights in and out of Manila Airport were canceled. Philippine Airlines scrubbed all domestic flights and its airplanes were evacuated to the Southern Philippines. Schools and businesses in Manila and most of northern Luzon were closed.

Guam

In Guam, no major damage was reported even though there was crop damage that was not immediately determined. 2 U.S. Navy personnel were killed and a third was injured while taking an antenna from a building during preparations from Rita. The antenna came in contact with a high-voltage wire. 7 people were injured, 4 seriously injured in a head-on auto collision. Investigators reported that the road was wet and that there were wind gusts at the time of the collision. A civilian suffered multiple injuries when he fell from the sixth floor of an apartment building where he was boarding up windows. His condition is not immediately known.

Philippines

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage in northern Luzon. However, Luzon was pounded by Rita's violent 90 mph (140 km/h) wind gusts and extremely torrential rains. Widespread power outages in Manila and Southern Luzon were reported when Rita passed 36 miles (58 km) north of the city, cutting off satellite communications links. Red Cross and national disaster officials reported that more than 4,000 people were moved to safer ground and evacuation continued. A youth was reported to be electrocuted by a falling wire near the capital and a Luzon couple was seriously injured when a tree fell on their house. Power lines in many provinces were toppled. Some areas experienced wind gusts as much as 125 miles per hour (201 km/h). Death toll from the storm was reported to have risen to more than 200 on October 31. A reported 354 other Filipinos were missing. The storm cut across rice-rich fields of the Central Luzon plains with 100 mph (160 km/h) winds. More than 50,000 homes were destroyed and displaced 291,610 families, a total of 1,444,465 people. Damage to infrastructure and agricultural crops was placed at more than $100 million (1979 USD) and about 750,000 acres of rice was damaged.

President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared 5 provinces calamity zones. He later ordered the suspension of the exporting of rice as a result of the extensive damage. Some areas experienced flooding that was waist-deep. It was reported that a Red Cross team sent to check reported that a dam had overflown and drowned 30 villagers outside the town of Norzagaray. In the Norzagaray area, 18 people were reported dead and 24 others missing. In the Angat area, where the Angat Dam is located, 6 people were dead and 20 were missing. U.S. Navy planes and helicopters saved 40 crewmen from a wrecked Moroccan ship that sunk in the South China Sea. The ship hit shoals 210 mi (340 km) northwest of Manila. It was blown there by the typhoon's powerful winds and high seas. The flood waters and the extremely powerful wind gusts of the storm caused 14,474 houses to be partly or seriously damaged; Manila reported gusts of up to 93 mph (150 km/h). Super Typhoon Rita was the worst typhoon to strike the Philippines in 8 years since Super Typhoon Joan in 1970.

See also

Notes

  1. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is a joint United States Navy – United States Air Force task force that issues tropical cyclone warnings for the western Pacific Ocean and other regions, and therefore, the pressure recorded by the task force may be unofficial.

References

  1. ^ "Meteorological Results - 1978" (PDF). Hong Kong Royal Observatory. 1979. Retrieved May 17, 2013.
  2. "Joint Typhoon Warning Center Mission Statement". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 2011. Archived from the original on 2007-07-26. Retrieved 2011-11-30.
  3. "World Tropical Cyclone Records". World Meteorological Organization. Arizona State University. Retrieved December 12, 2013.
  4. Japan Meteorological Agency. "RSMC Best Track Data (Text)" (TXT).
  5. ^ United Press International (October 24, 1978). "Typhoon Blows Past Guam". Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  6. ^ "Philippine Islands hit by Typhoon". The Spokesperson-Review. Associated Press. October 27, 1978. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  7. "Typhoon Smashes Philippines". The Lakeland Ledger. Associated Press. October 27, 1978. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  8. "'Extremely Dangerous' Typhoon Heading Towards Philippines". The Lakeland Ledger. Associated Press. October 26, 1978. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  9. ^ United Press International (October 31, 1978). "Philippines Storm Toll Now 200". The Youngstown Vindicator. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  10. United Press International (October 30, 1978). "Rice Exports Suspended". Rome News-Tribane. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  11. "Typhoon Rita's Toll Reaches 82". Sydney Morning Herald. Associated Press. October 30, 1978. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  12. "Typhoon Toll Reaches 82". The Daytona Beach Morning Journal. Associated Press. October 30, 1978. Retrieved May 19, 2013.
  13. "34 Dead In Rita's Wake". The Lakeland Ledger. Associated Press. October 29, 1978. Retrieved May 19, 2013.
Tropical cyclones of the 1978 Pacific typhoon season
TSNadine 2Olive TSPolly TSRose TSShirley 1Trix 1Virginia 1Wendy TSAgnes TSBonnie 1Carmen TSDella TD14W 1Elaine 3Faye TSGloria TSNancy TSIrma TSJudy TSKit 1Lola 1Mamie TSNina 2Ora TD26W TD27W 2Phyllis 5Rita TSTess TD32W 4Viola TSWinnie
Typhoon names retired by PAGASA
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