Tropical Storm Thelma facts for kids
Tropical Storm Thelma was a powerful weather event that happened in 1991. It was a type of tropical cyclone with strong winds, reaching about 45 to 50 miles per hour. This storm caused a lot of damage and sadness, especially in the Philippines.
Thelma was responsible for the loss of many lives, with estimates ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 people in the Philippines. It also caused about $28 million in damage to homes and property. The storm hit several areas, including Negros Occidental and Leyte Island in the Philippines, and also affected Vietnam.
Because of the serious impact and the many lives lost, the name Thelma was officially stopped from being used for future tropical storms. This is a common practice for storms that cause a lot of destruction. The name Teresa was chosen to replace Thelma on the list of storm names.
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What Was Tropical Storm Thelma?
Tropical Storm Thelma was a strong storm that formed in 1991. It was part of a group of storms called tropical cyclones. These storms are like giant spinning systems of clouds and thunderstorms. They form over warm ocean waters and can bring very heavy rain and strong winds.
Thelma's winds were quite powerful, blowing at speeds of 45 to 50 miles per hour. This is strong enough to cause significant damage to buildings and trees. The storm moved across parts of Asia, bringing its dangerous weather with it.
The Storm's Path and Impact
Tropical Storm Thelma first made its presence known in the Pacific Ocean. It then moved westward, heading towards the Philippines. The storm brought very heavy rainfall, which led to severe flooding and deadly landslides.
Impact on the Philippines
The Philippines was hit especially hard by Tropical Storm Thelma. Two of the main areas affected were Negros Occidental and Leyte Island. On Leyte Island, the city of Ormoc suffered greatly. The heavy rains caused rivers to overflow their banks very quickly. This led to flash floods that swept away homes and people.
The floods and landslides were so severe that they caused a huge loss of life. Thousands of people were affected, and many lost their homes and belongings. The damage to buildings, roads, and farms was also very extensive.
Impact on Vietnam
After moving past the Philippines, Tropical Storm Thelma continued its journey. It then reached Vietnam, where it also caused problems. While the impact in Vietnam was not as severe as in the Philippines, the storm still brought heavy rains and strong winds, causing damage to property and disrupting daily life.
Why Storm Names Are Retired
Tropical storms and hurricanes are given names to make them easier to identify and track. These names are used in a rotating list. However, if a storm causes a lot of deaths or damage, its name is "retired." This means the name will never be used again for another storm.
The purpose of retiring a name is to show respect for the victims and to avoid using a name that brings back painful memories. Tropical Storm Thelma's impact was so severe that its name was quickly retired. This is why you won't hear of another Tropical Storm Thelma. The name Teresa took its place on the list for future storms.
Images for kids
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Location of Ormoc on Leyte Island
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Tropical Storm Thelma over the Visayas on November 5
