million (1994 USD) in damage reported. It caused a major flood event in the Philippines. A total of at least 16,000 people had to take refuge in government-run shelters during and after the storm. Severe Tropical Storm Owen (Bising) Typhoon Owen formed from a tropical disturbance which was originally identified within a near-equatorial trough over Micronesia. The disturbance was first mentioned by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center on March 29. By March 31, a distinct area within the trough showing signs of cyclonic spin appeared, and the JTWC initiated advisories on Tropical Depression 02W soon afterwards. Meanwhile, the Japan Meteorological Agency classified the system as a tropical storm, Tropical Storm 9401. It was located about west-northwest of Yap. Owen continued to strengthen, with the JMA classifying it a severe tropical storm on April 3. According to the JTWC, Owen reached typhoon intensity at the same time the JMA classified it a severe tropical storm. The storm tracked southwest to west-southwestward, and reached its peak intensity of from the JTWC ( from the JMA) on April 4, shortly before landfall between Leyte and Mindanao. A reading taken late on April 3 at Guiuan on Samar reported sustained winds of . It weakened to a tropical storm overland, before it restrengthened slightly after emerging into the South China Sea. A drilling rig reported sustained winds. Soon afterwards, the cyclone dissipated over water northwest of Luzon on April 9. Owen's west-southwestward track shortly before landfall was rare. Owen was one of just two April typhoons in the previous 36 years — the other being Typhoon Wanda of the 1971 season – to make landfall while moving west-southwestward. Owen's later recurvature in the South China Sea was also unusual; it recurved at a latitude of only about 13°N, about 3° south of the average latitude for recurvature in the South China Sea in April. Owen's impact on the Philippines was widespread, with nine provinces being declared under a "state of calamity" by President of the Philippines Fidel Ramos. At least 10 people were killed with 5 others missing, and a further 14 fishermen feared drowned. A total of 33 were reported wounded. Over 9000 families were affected by Owen. No damage was reported to the drilling rig in the South China Sea. In Okinawa, heavy rains were reported on Yonaguni, with a total reported precipitation amount of . The peak winds measured at Yonaguni