Typhoon Ruth - Oct 1991
Disaster description
After changing course, Typhoon Ruth reached northern tip of Luzon Island, some 400 km north of Manila, Sunday 27 October. At 1200 GMT 27 October, its position was 18.0 degrees north and 122.0 degrees east, and typhoon forecast to move westward across Northern Luzon. Maximum winds near centre estimated at 200 km per hour (125 mph). According to preliminary information, landslides closed mountain roads leading to city of Baguio. Power lines downed. Four people reported killed by falling trees/roofs. Authorities alerted population in area around volcano Pinatubo against mudflows. (UN DHA, 27 Oct 1991)
Typhoon Ruth, now downgraded to tropical cyclone, moving slowly (at about 10 km/hr) westwards away from Philippines. Position at 0600hrs GMT on 28 oct 91 was 17.6 north and 120.5 east. Position forecast for 0600hrs GMT on 29 oct 91 is 17.4 north and 118.4 east. All regional disaster coordinating councils concerned and the military in the Philippines have been alerted to assist in distribution of relief items and to conduct rescue operations as necessary. Likewise UNDP/UNDRO resident representative has alerted the un disaster management team. People living within 10km radius from volcano Pinatubo being evacuated to safer areas to protect them from effect of possible mudflows. In northern part of Luzon island, landslides have caused damage to crops. (UN DHA, 28 Oct 1991)
Typhoon Ruth was positioned at 0300 hrs GMT on 29 October at 19.0 north and 120.0 east and has now weakened further in intensity down to three (maximum intensity reached was seven). Ten dead, eight missing and two injured in Philippines. 13,660 people have been evacuated. Damage to agriculture estimated at USD 110,000 and damage to infrastructures estimated at USD 215,000. (UN DHA, 29 Oct 1991)
Since report dated 29 Oct 1991, have received following govt statistics on damage. At least 3,284 houses destroyed, 22,134 houses partially damaged. Crop damage estimated at PHP 641 million (USD 24 million). Update on casualties: 39 dead, 26 missing, 38 injured. 16,000 persons evacuated. (UN DHA, 4 Nov 1991)