Typhoon Gilda (1959)
Surface weather analysis of Gilda at peak intensity on December 7 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | December 13, 1959 |
| Dissipated | December 22, 1959 |
| Typhoon | |
| 10-minute sustained (JMA) | |
| Lowest pressure | 925 hPa (mbar); 27.32 inHg |
| Category 5-equivalent super typhoon | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 280 km/h (175 mph) |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 23 |
| Damage | $1.5 million (1959 USD) |
| Areas affected | Philippines, Vietnam |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1959 Pacific typhoon season | |
Typhoon Gilda was an intense tropical cyclone that struck regions of the central Philippines in December 1959. An unusually strong late-season storm, Gilda developed on December 13 from a disturbance first identified southeast of Chuuk State three days prior. Steadily intensifying, Gilda reached typhoon strength the next day and proceeded in a general westward track towards the Philippines. On December 18, the typhoon peaked with maximum sustained winds of 280 km/h (170 mph) shortly before the storm made landfall on Samar with a slightly weakened intensity. After passing into the South China Sea, Gilda steadily weakened and made a final landfall in southern Vietnam before dissipating on December 22 over Cambodia. Damage in the Philippines was extensive, and in some locations telecommunications were cut. Impacts in Samar were particularly severe, and in some areas the damage was the worst in 30 years. Homes and crops sustained significant losses. Overall, Gilda caused the deaths of 23 in the Philippines and US$1.5 million in damage.