Typhoon Aere (2004)
Typhoon Aere, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Marce, was a mid-season category two typhoon that brought severe damage to Taiwan and the People's Republic of China in late August 2004. Aere is the Marshallese word for 'storm'.
Meteorological history
An area of convection developed approximately 250 miles east of Pohnpei late on August 13. By August 16, the disturbance had passed 40 miles north of Chuuk. It developed enough organization to be designated a tropical depression on August 19, about 400 miles west of Guam. From there, it moved northwest at 12 mph along the southwestern periphery of a mid-level steering ridge. The system reached tropical storm status on August 20, gaining the name Aere.
Preparations
Philippines
In Manila, several schools and most office work were temporarily suspended on August 26. At least two flights to Taiwan were cancelled. 27 people had to be evacuated from a swollen river near San Mateo.
Taiwan
Schools and financial markets in Taiwan were closed, as well as all government agencies. At least 5,000 people were evacuated from Central Taiwan. Several planes set to fly from Taoyuan International Airport had to be grounded. Prime minister You Si-kun, who was returning from a trip to Latin America, had to land in Okinawa. Songshan Airport was shut down after a jetliner carrying a hundred passengers slid off the runway.
All flights to Hong Kong via Cathay Pacific would be halted.
China
Over 249,000 people were evacuated from coastal regions where the typhoon was expected to affect. Additionally, close to 31,500 fishing boats were ordered back to port.
Impact
Philippines
In San Mateo, a four-year old boy went missing after a landslide.
China
Flooding and uprooted metal barriers were recorded where the storm made landfall. A fishermen died when his small boat was flipped in rough seas.
Taiwan
A mudslide killed a family of four in Hsinchu County.
Japan
Two sisters, ages seven and twelve, were swept away by waves while swimming near the island of Amami Ōshima.
Naming
Additionally, the name Kodo was replaced in 2002 without being used. The name Aere was chosen to replace the name.