Tropical Storm Sinlaku (2014)

Tropical Storm Sinlaku, known in the Philippines as Tropical Storm Queenie, was a weak tropical cyclone which affected the Philippines and Vietnam in late November 2014. The twenty-first named storm of the annual Pacific typhoon season, Sinlaku formed as a tropical disturbance east of Mindanao on November 25. The disturbance became a tropical depression on the next day while moving westward, before making landfall in northeastern Mindanao. The depression struck multiple islands in Visayas and Palawan on November 27, before emerging into the South China Sea. Early on November 28, the depression became Tropical Storm Sinlaku while turning west-northwest. Sinlaku strengthened slightly and made landfall in south-central Vietnam on the next day. The storm weakened quickly after landfall, and dissipated early on November 30.

Sinlaku first affected the Philippines as a tropical depression. PSWS were issued over Mindanao, Visayas, and Palawan. Classes in the regions were suspended in advance of the storm. Flights and sea transport were cancelled, resulted in over 4,200 people being stranded. The government evacuated thousands of people in those vulnerable areas. Sinlaku brought strong winds and heavy rains to Mindanao and Visayas. Bohol and Cebu was the hardest-hit province which suffered the most damage. Most of the casualties also occurred there. Sinlaku killed four people, injured two, and eight others went missing. Damage on infrastructure was Php2.66 million (US$60,000).

Sinlaku then struck Vietnam as a high-end tropical storm, also bringing strong winds and heavy rains to the south-central region. Boats were asked to seek shelter in advance of the storm. Military people were mobilized to prepare for any rescue. Downed trees blocked the roads in Quy Nhon. Embarkments in Phú Yên province were destroyed by high waves. The province also reported some minor flooding and power outages. Phú Yên province and Bình Định province suffered from extensive crop damage. Across the country, nearly 500 houses were damaged or destroyed. No casualties were reported, though Sinlaku caused a damage of VND160 billion (US$7.5 million).