Typhoon Parma (International designation: 0917; JTWC Designation: 19W; PAGASA designation: Pepeng) was the second typhoon to affect the Philippines within the span of a week during September 2009.
Meteorological History
Early on September 26, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported that an area of convection was developing along a broad low level circulation center in an area of vertical wind shear about 450 km (280 mi) to the southeast of Guam. The convection had a good poleward outflow into a tropical upper tropospheric trough, however as it did not have a symmetrical low level circulation center and convection had not consolidated the JTWC did not expect the disturbance to develop into a significant tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours. It was then designated as a Tropical Depression during the next day by the Japan Meteorological Agency as the depression's convection, started to consolidate around the low level circulation center, later that day as the low level circulation center had rapidly consolidated and become well defined the JTWC designated the depression as 19W. The depression was moving towards the west at this time under the influence of the subtropical ridge of pressure During September 28 gradually developed further being upgraded to a Tropical Storm by the JTWC as it moved further away from Tropical Depression 18W. However the JMA did not upgrade the depression to a tropical storm until early the next day when they assigned the storm the name Parma.
Preparations in the Philippines
The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) advised all local government officials in all of Luzon to evacuate all the people if needed to secure their safety from the wrath of Super Typhoon Parma (Pepeng). In addition to the NDCC, they gave out relief goods and other necessities in preparation for Parma. Different non-government agencies such as GMA Kapuso Foundation and ABS-CBN Foundation also gave out relief goods. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also requested PAGASA to monitor the super typhoon every two hours and update its website. Also, the PAGASA advised all areas with public storm signal warnings to be alerted against storm surges, landslides and flash floods. The coast guard of the Philippines placed the whole country in red alert, meaning that the agency would monitor the whole country, especially Northern and Central Luzon. All ferry stations with routes from Luzon to Visayas and vice-versa suspended their operations. Fishermen were already advised not to go to sea to avoid turbulent waves.
As the preparation continued, different dams were opened and tons of water freed to avoid the overflowing of dams. In Isabela, the Magat Dam released tons of water. Its water was projected to pass through Cagayan River, for which reason people living near the river were evacuated. The Angat Dam in Bulacan also let out tons of water, flooding the barrio of Calumpit and Hagonoy. The local officials took charge to evacuate people living in the area. Five barangays in Nueva Ecija were already flooded due to water from Pantabangan Dam, which released 250 cubic meters per second from 1 PM on October 1, 05:00 (UTC) to 1 AM on October 2, 17:00 (UTC). Local officials also took charge to evacuate people. In Laguna, the Caliraya Dam released tons of water as a precaution against Parma's heavy rains, even though Laguna would not be directly affected by the super typhoon. On the morning of October 2, President Gloria Macapagal — Arroyo declared the whole country under a state of calamity.
In Metro Manila, billboards were already rolled down due to strong winds that will be brought by Parma. In addition, the flights in the country were suspended as typhoon Parma will hit the country especially the Luzon area. Cargo ships and other water transportation already suspended their operation. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) suspended classes for regions 1, 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 5 and CAR. In Laguna, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) evacuated a massive 100,000 residents that live near the Laguna lake.
Impact in the Philippines
Even though Parma would not make its landfall in northern Philippines, various transportation was suspended before the super typhoon drew near. In Catanduanes, where the first signal warning no.3 was raised, the province's power and communications were cut. Fallen trees were already in the main roads. About 30,000 families were evacuated. In addition also to the Bicol region, more than 2,000 passengers were stranded in ferry stations. 39 provinces including Metro Manila were put to signal warnings, with each place experienced massive rainfall with strong winds. Parma made its landfall at Northeastern Cagayan at 3:00pm PST/07:00 (UTC)In Cagayan, at least 6,036 people in 39 barangays (villages) were affected, while P20.33 million worth of agricultural produce were destroyed. Also, in the Chico River was swelled due to the typhoon, making the Maguilling Overflow Bridge along the Cagayan-Apayao Road impassable. The Maharlika Highway in Ilagan, Isabela to Cagayan became hardly passable due to the trees and electric posts that fell when Pepeng battered the area. Total power interruption also crippled the provinces of Kalinga, Apayao, and the northern towns of Isabela. In Kalinga, landslides were reported on roads linking the provincial capital, Tabuk, to upland towns. In Zambales, at least 2,100 families were evacuated as Pepeng brought heavy rains causing the Bucao River to swell. The Carael section of the Zambales highway became impassable due to rising floodwaters. Due to heavy downpour, the San Roque Dam in Eastern Pangasinan and Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija was forced to release huge amount of water. It caused flooding in Eastern and Central Pangasinan as well as Nueva Ecija. In Metro Manila the area is still experienced torrential rains and strong winds. Floodwaters continue to rise in some areas in Metro Manila and Calabarzon. In Pateros, Muntinlupa, and Taguig, in Taytay town in Rizal province, and in the towns of Biñan and San Pedro in Laguna province, the flood is not subsiding. The Laguna de Bay is breaking a 90-year record in meters of water, which threatens to submerge more areas in Metro Manila. In Benguet, a landslide killed at least 200 as Tropical Depression Parma continues to bring rain across northern Luzon. Due to severe flooding, Leptospirosis became a problem that affected many. In Pasig City General Hospital alone, 30 people have been taken in for diagnosis. The Department of Health announced that there is a Leptospirosis outbreak in Marikina.
