Typhoon Rai

Typhoon Rai, locally named Odette, was the second-costliest tropical cyclone in the Philippines after it struck the country in December 2021. The typhoon also killed 409 people in the Philippines, with the greatest deaths in Bohol province. Rai formed on December 11 in the western Pacific Ocean. Two days later, it strengthened into a tropical storm. After passing near Palau, Rai entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by the night of December 14, where PAGASA named it Odette. Rai attained typhoon status and rapidly intensified while approaching the Philippines. The American-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) designated Rai as a super typhoon. Around that time, the JMA estimated peak maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h (120 mph). On December 16, the typhoon traversed the Visayas in the central Philippines, exiting into the Sulu Sea. After making its last landfall over Palawan, Rai continued to weaken before unexpectedly re-intensifying into a Category 5-equivalent typhoon by December 18, while nearing Vietnam. On the next day, Rai entered yet another weakening phase, dissipating on December 21, southeast of Hong Kong. As Rai pounded the Philippines, heavy rainfall and strong and gusty winds impacted several areas around the storm's path. Many areas across the Visayas and Mindanao lost electricity with several provinces and areas being deprived further of communication services. Downed trees obstructed many roadways, and flooding was a major problem across the affected regions, particularly Bohol, where the storm was described as "one of the worst for the province". Rivers also overflowed across Cagayan de Oro, while numerous buildings sustained damage. Surigao City was reported to be completely damaged, and appealed for aid. Bohol also pleaded for help from the government due to the damages Rai brought to the area. A state of calamity was placed in the province and Cebu. Damages...