Typhoon Prapiroon (2006)

As Tropical Depression 07W, locally named 'Henry' by PAGASA, neared the provence the northern Philippines, a total of 17 provinces were placed under a storm alert as winds of 30 kts (55 km/h) were likely to affect areas near the depression.[17] Residents in the northern Philippines were advised to avoid low-lying areas and be alert for flooding.[18] About 15,000 people were evacuated following heavy rains from the outer bands of the storm.[19]

In advance of Prapiroon, government officials in Guangdong Provence, China sent out 11 million mobile text messages to alert people of the approaching storm.[20][21] About 843,000 people were evacuated ahead of the storm, 335,000 in Guangdong, 382,000 in Guangxi, and 126,000 in Hainan.[22] Officials ordered 62,023 ships to return to port to prevent them from being stranded at sea.[23]

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and Macau's Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau both hoisted strong wind signal 1 on August 1 as the system was located within 800 km (497 mi) of their respective cities. As Prapiroon neared the southern coast of China, the signal was raised to strong wind signal 3 as strong winds were expected to strike the area. In Macau in particular this was further increased to strong wind signal 8 SE on August 3, as gale-force winds were expected in the southeastern areas. All signals were cancelled the next afternoon as Prapiroon moved inland.

Kindergarten and special schools in Hong Kong were suspended for at least two days for the day of and following the storms landfall.[24]

Tropical Depression 07W 'Henry' making landfall in the Philippines on July 31

As a tropical depression, Prapiroon caused heavy rains over the northern Philippines, leaving six people dead.[21] In Candaba, a two-year-old boy, identified as Elmer Celso, drowned in floodwaters outside his home.[18] Five other fatalities were reported due to flooding.[21] Two other people were listed as missing.[19] Agricultural damage was estimated at $640,000 (2006 USD).[27]

Trees uprooted by Prapiroon in Zhongshan City

Despite weakening to a severe tropical storm before landfall, Prapiroon brought torrential rains and flooding which left 88 people dead and eight others missing.[20] About 10 million people were affected by the typhoon, while 30,000 homes collapsed and 140,000 others were damaged.[28] Damages from the typhoon were estimated at $984 million (2006 USD; $1.1 billion 2008 USD).[20] Guangdong Province was the hardest hit of the three provinces affected by Typhoon Prapiroon. About 3.72 million people were affected by the storm and 7,000 homes were destroyed in the province. A tornado struck Foshan, Shanwei and Shaoguan, killing nine.[29] A police officer was killed when a landslide buried him during a rescue in Sihui.[30] Another hard hit province, Guangxi, was struck by Prapiroon. About 5.1 million people were affected by the storm[31] and 219,441 were displaced. Ten people were killed by a flash flood and landslide in Laibin and Hengxian. Another flash flood swept away a shelter which thirteen migrant workers resided in, all of whom were confirmed to have been killed. Three more people were killed when a landslide caused their home to collapse in Luming Village.[29] About 9,300 homes and 195,900 hectares of farmland were destroyed.[31]

As Prapiroon neared Hong Kong, thousands of people were stranded in airports as hundreds of flights in and out of the area were cancelled. Twenty cargo containers in the harbour were tipped over[32] and one person was injured by the falling containers.[24] A total of 381 flights were cancelled and 725 were delayed,[27] affecting about 10 million people. Compensation costs from the travel delays amounted to $1.9 million (2006 USD).[26] According to airport authorities, the storm caused the worst disruption in the airport's 20-year history.[33] Winds were recorded up to 103 km/h (63 mph) in the harbour.[24] The highest gust was recorded on Green Island at 193 km/h (119 mph). Seven people were injured by objects blown around by the wind.[27] A cargo vessel, with a crew of 23, ran aground near the harbour. No injuries were reported from the incident.[19] Two other incidents with vessels occurred near Ma Wan and Tuen Mun. Seven hundred trees were blown down and another 1,600 sustained damage. Maximum rainfall from Prapiroon was estimated at 8.1 in (207.5 mm). Two landslides were also reported and about 200 hectares of farmland was damaged. A storm surge of 2.71 m (8.89 ft) was recorded.[27] The Typhoon signal number 8 should have been hoisted as gales were recorded in most areas of the territory. As a result, the Hong Kong Observatory had to deal with a lot of criticism.