Four Storms in the Western Pacific in November: A First
An unprecedented weather event
In November 2023, the western Pacific Ocean experienced an unprecedented weather event: four tropical cyclones formed in the same month, the first time this has happened on record. The storms, named Nesat, Nalgae, Haitang, and Noru, brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding to the Philippines, Vietnam, and China.
Nesat and Nalgae
The first two storms, Nesat and Nalgae, formed in the Philippine Sea in early November. Nesat made landfall in the Philippines on November 4th, causing widespread flooding and landslides. Nalgae followed closely behind, making landfall in Vietnam on November 6th. Both storms brought heavy rainfall, leading to severe flooding in many areas.
Haitang and Noru
The third and fourth storms, Haitang and Noru, formed in the South China Sea in mid-November. Haitang made landfall in the Philippines on November 16th, while Noru made landfall in Vietnam on November 18th. Both storms brought strong winds and heavy rainfall, causing further flooding and damage to infrastructure.
Impacts of the storms
The four storms caused significant damage and loss of life in the Philippines, Vietnam, and China. In the Philippines, over 100 people were killed and hundreds of thousands were displaced from their homes. In Vietnam, over 50 people were killed and hundreds of thousands were also displaced. In China, at least 14 people were killed and over one million people were affected by the storms.
Climate change and the future of storms
Scientists believe that climate change is making tropical cyclones more frequent and more intense. As the ocean temperatures rise, more energy is available to fuel these storms. This can lead to more powerful storms with stronger winds and heavier rainfall. It is important to note that while climate change may be making tropical cyclones more frequent and more intense, it is not the sole cause of these storms. Natural variability also plays a role.
Conclusion
The four storms that hit the western Pacific in November 2023 were a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events. Climate change is making these storms more frequent and more intense, so it is important to take steps to mitigate their impact. This includes building resilient infrastructure, developing early warning systems, and educating communities about the risks of tropical cyclones.
