Typhoon Sarah - Sep 1989

Typhoon Sarah was formed on 6 September. It moved westwards after developing into a tropical depression about 860 km north-northwest of Guam. On 11 September, Sarah made landfall over Taiwan about 190 km south of Taibei. It weakened to a severe tropical storm and moved along the east coast of Taiwan. Sarah entered the Taiwan Strait during the night of 12 September and continued to weaken as it approached the coast of eastern China. It made landfall over Zhejiang about 110 km south-southwest of Wenzhou the following afternoon and dissipated inland soon afterwards.

Rain associated with Sarah triggered off floods and landslides in the northern part of the Philippines, leaving 31 people dead. Over 200,000 people had to flee their homes. Rice and tobacco fields were ruined. Three bridges were destroyed by rampaging waters. The total damage in the Philippines was estimated to be at least 38 million pesos. In Taiwan, 19 people were killed while 14 others were reported missing. About 40 people were injured. Landslides and flooding triggered by heavy rain damaged bridges, roads and railways on the island. Electricity supply was interrupted and transportation was paralysed. Extensive agricultural areas were inundated. There were 28 houses destroyed and 41 houses damaged. The total loss in agriculture and forestry was estimated at about US$39 million. (Government of Hong Kong SAR, October 1989)