Typhoon Muifa Increases Strength as Thousands Suffer in Philippines

Philippines (HDW) November 20, 2004 – Typhoon Muifa increased in power from the tropical storm that HD Weather and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) were reporting on just a few days ago. Muifa has already killed over 3 people according to multiple press reports, and it has displaced or injured thousands within the Philippines. Typhoon Muifa is now located about 180 nautical miles east of Manila, the capitol city of the Philippines on Luzon Island. The spectacular picture of Muifa shown above was obtained by a NASA satellite. The typhoon was near engulfing the Philippines when this picture was taken 3 days ago.

Typhoon Muifa is moving south-southeast at about 9 knots, but it is anticipated to track westward. The storm is supposed to lose energy as it goes over land within the Philippines, but then the storm may increase in intensity as it moves into the South China Sea. The storm is devastating the Philippines with winds over 75 miles per hour and with flash floods and rain.

It is anticipated at this point that Muifa will lose strength and that it will not head towards Japan and Eastern China like many other typhoons in the worst of typhoon seasons. Typically the typhoon season ends by November, so it is interesting that storms of this power are still forming and are increasing in strength this late in the year.