&sq=&lang=&file=File:Linda_Nov_3_1997_0717Z.png) Linda at peak intensity nearing the Malay Peninsula on November 3 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | October 31, 1997 |
| Dissipated | November 9, 1997 |
| Severe tropical storm | |
| 10-minute sustained (JMA) | |
| Highest winds | 95 km/h (60 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 985 hPa (mbar); 29.09 inHg |
| Cyclonic storm | |
| 3-minute sustained (IMD) | |
| Highest winds | 65 km/h (40 mph) |
| Category 1-equivalent tropical cyclone | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 120 km/h (75 mph) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 3,275 total |
| Damage | $385 million |
| Areas affected | Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1997 Pacific typhoon and North Indian Ocean cyclone seasons | |
Severe Tropical Storm Linda, also known as Typhoon Linda, Cyclonic Storm Linda (BOB 08), or in the Philippines as Tropical Depression Openg, was the worst typhoon in southern Vietnam in at least 100 years, killing thousands of people and leaving extensive damage. It formed on October 31, 1997, in the South China Sea, between Indochina and the Philippines. Strengthening as it moved westward, Linda struck extreme southern Vietnam on November 2 with winds of 65 mph (105 km/h), dropping heavy rainfall. Once in the Gulf of Thailand it strengthened further to minimal typhoon status, but weakened to tropical storm strength before crossing the Malay Peninsula into the Bay of Bengal, the first storm to do so in five years. It restrengthened in the Indian Ocean to typhoon status, but increasing wind shear and weakened steering currents caused Linda to dissipate on November 9.
The worst of Linda's impact was in Vietnam, where 3,111 people were killed, and damage totaled $385 million (USD). Heavy rainfall caused flooding, which damaged or destroyed about 200,000 houses and left about 383,000 people homeless. Widespread crop and transportation damage also occurred, the latter which impeded relief efforts. Several countries around the world sent relief aid, including medical teams, food, and clothing. However, the food supply and health status of the storm victims proved not as bad as originally feared. Linda later struck Thailand, causing flash flooding and at least 164 deaths. The storm also affected Burma (Myanmar), Indonesia, Malaysia, and Cambodia to a lesser degree.