Typhoon Agnes (1981)

On August 30, Typhoon Agnes moved through the southern Ryukyu Islands, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to the region. Several islands received more than 200 mm (7.9 in) of rain, and a peak value of 304 mm (12.0 in) was measured on Ishigaki Island.[4] Despite passing through as a typhoon, only Tokashiki received winds of such intensity with a peak gust of 122 km/h (76 mph). A few other islands reported winds greater than 90 km/h (56 mph).[5]

After moving over the Sea of Japan, the storm's remnants brought heavy rains to much of Japan the day after a 6.6 M_w earthquake rocked eastern parts of the country. Air and sea transportation across the Korean Strait was cancelled for September 3. Landslides were reported across Kyushu, though no casualties occurred.[6] On Shin-Kamigotō, Nagasaki, rain fell at rates of 69 mm (2.7 in) per hour on September 3 as Agnes passed to the north.[7] Rainfall in the mainland peaked at 208 mm (8.2 in) on Chausuyama in Aichi Prefecture.[4]

Though Agnes did not directly impact Taiwan, prolonged southwesterly flow associated with the typhoon brought torrential rains to the island.[8] Flooding in southern Taiwan was considered the worst in 30 years; 32 people were killed or left missing.[9] More than 510 mm (20 in) of rain fell in the cities of Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung. Flood waters, reaching depths of 2.0 m (6.6 ft), inundated 238,256 acres (96,419 hectares) of farmland and destroyed 140 homes. An estimated 3,000 people were left homeless.[10]

Satellite image of Tropical Storm Agnes over the East China Sea on September 2; a large plume of moisture extending northeast from the storm to South Korea and Japan is visible.

Significant water rise occurred along Yangtze estuary and Hangzhou Bay in mainland China as Agnes remained just east of the area for 36 hours and the coincidence of the spring tide. A peak storm surge of 1.6 m (5.2 ft) was measured in the region with continuous onshore flow,[11] the highest since 1949;[9] conversely, in areas with continuous offshore flow, water levels fell by 20 cm (7.9 in). Model simulations of the event estimated that a 1.5 m (4.9 ft) surge affected the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone in Shanghai.[11] Offshore, 300 vessels sank while the resulting inland floods killed 14 people.[9] Authorities in Shanghai mobilized 100,000 personnel to limit the extent of the floods as 200 sections of seawall collapsed. According to local newspapers, 59,700 acres (24,200 hectares) of farmland flooded and 4,280 homes were damaged. Losses were estimated in the millions of dollars.[12]

High winds downed many trees across the region and debris littered the streets of Shanghai. United States President Jimmy Carter, wrapping up an inspection of the Chinese Navy, was scheduled to take a cruise out of the Huangpu River; however, the typhoon forced the vessel to remain at port.[13]

Between September 1 and 3, torrential rains affected much of South Korea, with the heaviest falling well-ahead of the storm itself. Regarded as the heaviest on record in the 20th century, at least 710 mm (28 in) fell over a two-day span in the country, resulting in tremendous flash flooding and landslides.[1] This surpassed the previous two-day record of 570 mm (22.3 in) measured in 1928 in Seoul.[14] A record-breaking 24‑hour rainfall of 547.4 mm (21.55 in) was also measured; however, this was later greatly surpassed by Typhoon Rusa in 2002 which produced 870.5 mm (34.27 in) during the same time span.[15] The coastal counties of Jangheung, Haenam, and Goheung all saw approximately half of their annual precipitation, between 394 and 548 mm (15.5 and 21.6 in), in one day's time.[16] In addition to the rains, winds up to 144 km/h (89 mph) were measured.[14]

Communications with severed with towns along the southwestern coastline as roads and rail lines were washed away.[17] Thousands of residents sought refuge by moving to higher ground.[18] The Korean relief center reported that 762 homes were destroyed and another 11,700 flooded due to the storm.[19] Other reports indicated that upwards of 5,900 homes were destroyed.[18] More than 191,000 acres (77,000 hectares) of farmland was washed out.[6] Throughout South Korea, 113 people died.[20] Most of the deaths resulted from landslides, swollen rivers, and collapsed embankments.[14] Total damage in the country amounted to $134 million, with agriculture accounting for at least $24 million.[6][20] Additionally, 28,000 people were left homeless.[14] The disaster relief agency Hope Bridge provided 7.5 billion won ($10.2 million) in aid to areas affected by the storm.[21]