On December 16, 2021, Typhoon Rai hit the south-eastern part of the Philippines, bringing heavy rains and flooding causing displacement of thousands over a large area.

Key Points

• Rai typhoon was the 15th major weather disturbance that hit the country in year 2021.
• It intensified rapidly and classified as a super typhoon, with sustained winds of 120 miles per hour. It had the gusts of up to 168 miles per hour.
• This designation is similar to a Category 5 hurricane in United States.

About Typhoon Rai

Typhoon Rai is called as Typhoon Odette in the Philippines. It is currently a powerful tropical cyclone, which impacted the Philippines after passing near the island of Palau. It became the first Category 5 super typhoon in December month. It later weakened steadily, as it traversed Visayas and exited into the Sulu Sea.

The Sulu Sea

Sulu Sea is a water body in south-western area of the Philippines. The sea comprises of a number of islands, namely:

1. Cuyo Islands
2. Cagayan Islands
3. Mapun Islands
4. Turtle Islands