Typhoon Haikui (2023): A Comprehensive Retrospective
Formation and Meteorological History
Typhoon Haikui, known in the Philippines as Severe Tropical Storm Hanna, was a powerful tropical cyclone that affected East Asia in late August and early September 2023. The storm originated from a tropical disturbance near the Mariana Islands on August 27. It gradually intensified, becoming a tropical storm on August 28 and a severe tropical storm on August 30. Haikui reached its peak intensity as a Category 3-equivalent typhoon on September 1, with sustained winds of 155 km/h (96 mph) and gusts up to 190 km/h (120 mph). The storm made landfall in Taitung County, Taiwan, on September 2, then crossed the Taiwan Strait and made a second landfall in Fujian Province, China, on September 3. It weakened into a tropical depression over land and dissipated on September 5.
Impact and Damages
Taiwan
Haikui was the first typhoon to directly hit Taiwan in four years. The storm brought destructive winds and heavy rainfall, causing widespread damage. Approximately 75,000 homes lost power, and nearly 4,000 people were evacuated from high-risk areas. At least 44 people were injured. The storm uprooted trees, triggered landslides, and caused flooding in low-lying areas. A guesthouse collapsed on Green Island, but no fatalities were reported. Transportation was severely disrupted, with flights, rail services, and ferries suspended. Schools and businesses were closed, and major events, including a hot air balloon festival, were canceled.
Mainland China
After crossing Taiwan, Haikui weakened but still brought heavy rain and strong winds to Fujian and Guangdong provinces. Authorities in Shantou advised residents to take precautions. The storm compounded the effects of Typhoon Saola, which had recently affected the region. Damage in China was relatively minor compared to Taiwan, but agricultural losses occurred due to flooding.
Philippines
Although Haikui did not make landfall in the Philippines, it enhanced the southwest monsoon, bringing heavy rains to Luzon and the Visayas. This led to localized flooding and landslides, but no major damage or casualties were reported.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong experienced gusty winds and rain from Haikui's outer bands, but the storm passed well to the north. The Hong Kong Observatory issued tropical cyclone warnings, but no significant damage occurred.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
Taiwan
Taiwan's government activated emergency response mechanisms. The Central Emergency Operation Center coordinated evacuations, with over 3,900 people moved to shelters. The military was placed on standby, and disaster response teams were deployed. Power companies worked to restore electricity to affected areas. The government also provided food and supplies to evacuees.
China
Chinese authorities in Fujian and Guangdong issued warnings and advised residents to stay indoors. Fishing vessels were called back to port, and some low-lying areas were evacuated. Relief supplies were pre-positioned, and emergency teams were ready to respond.
Philippines
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued rainfall warnings and advised residents in affected areas to take precautionary measures. Local governments conducted preemptive evacuations in flood-prone areas.
Retirement
Due to the significant damage caused in Taiwan, the name "Haikui" was retired from the list of typhoon names in 2024, replaced by "Pulasan."
This article is based on reports from the Hong Kong Observatory, Wikipedia, PBS News, EigenRisk, and other sources.