Typhoon Dot (1985) - Preparations, Impact and Aftermath

Preparations, Impact and Aftermath

Super Typhoon Dot caused all United States military installations in the Philippines to be placed in a Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness 1 and made an evacuation of Clark Air Base and Cubi Point NAS necessary. Ships in Subic Bay were also moved. Philippine Airlines cancelled domestic flights out of Manila and moved its planes out of the storm's path to Mactan Island. While the airport remained open, twelve international flights were cancelled. Residents were told to remain indoors, and schools cancelled classes.

In all in the Philippines, Dot left 101 people dead and affected more than 1 million people, and left behind over $68 million (1985 USD) in damage. However, this figure is considerably limited due to Dot's small size. Floods resulting from Dot affected some 90,000 square kilometres of land. On Hainan, floods were triggered in the wake of Super Typhoon Dot, which also left two dead on the island. More than 2,300 houses also collapsed from Dot's winds.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Dot in the Philippines, UNICEF was asked to provide water-purifying tablets. The Philippine Red Cross, Philippine government, local authorities and civic organisations provided relief assistance in the immediate aftermath of the storm. Appeals were made for up to US$1.4 million for reconstruction, although the Philippine government did not submit a request for international aid.