Guide Note

On June 21, 2008, a typhoon struck the Philippines. The storm lasted about four hours, but sparked a series of landslides and floods, has caused considerable damage. At least 224 people have been reported dead.¹

Fast Facts

1. Hit land on June 21, 2008
2. Typhoon occurred in the Philippines
3. Lasted about 4 hours
4. Has caused extensive flooding and landslides
5. At least 224 people dead¹
6. 374 missing¹
7. President Gloria Arroyo has asked the United States for assistance²

Late on the night of Saturday, June 22, 2008, a passenger ferry, MV Princess Of Stars, left dock despite signs of increasingly worsening weather.³

The ferry, which was carrying 626 passengers and 121 crew, ran aground off the coast of Sibuyan Island and sank. On June 23, 2008 as many as 40 survivors were thought to have been rescued.⁴

President Gloria Arroyo, who was on an official visit to the United States when the typhoon hit, issued a statement criticizing the ferry company and coast guard for allowing the ferry to depart.⁵