9, the JMA upgraded the system into a tropical depression, although the JTWC did not follow suit until April 11. Following data from a hurricane hunter aircraft that indicated that the depression was much stronger than expected, both the JTWC and JMA upgraded the depression later on April 11, with the latter estimating a peak wind speed of . Almost immediately thereafter, Percy weakened rapidly, with the storm's center becoming exposed from the deep convection. The JMA downgraded Percy into a tropical depression at 18:00 on April 11. Thirty hours later, the JTWC discontinued warnings. The JMA ceased tracking the storm while it was located near the northern tip of Luzon on April 16. Tropical Storm Ruth According to the JMA, a tropical depression developed on June 17 around southeast of Hong Kong, becoming the first tropical cyclone of the season to develop in the South China Sea. Its convective structure gradually improved as the depression tracked west-northwest under the influence of a ridge to its north, and at 00:00 UTC on June 18, the JTWC classified the system as a tropical depression. The JMA upgraded the depression into a tropical storm six hours later, while also estimating a peak wind speed of . The JTWC did not follow suit until at 18:00 UTC on June 18, when satellite estimated supported tropical storm intensity. Early on June 19, both the JTWC and JMA downgraded Ruth into a depression while it interacted with the southern China coast. Ruth dissipated inland later that day. According to media outlets, Ruth inflicted widespread damage and casualties in southwest Guangdong and southeast Guangxi. In Guangdong, about of farmland were inundated and of banana plantations were damaged or destroyed. Extensive irrigation works were also damaged and 17 cows were killed. There, seven people were dead and eighty-six others were injured. Over 45,000 houses collapsed while more than 210,000 dwellings were damaged. Approximately 350 bridges were destroyed. In Guangxi, three deaths and twenty-six injuries were reported. As a result of the heavy rain, 45 bridges and over 780 houses sustained damaged. In addition, over of farmland were flooded. The railway service was also temporarily disrupted. In Hong Kong, damage was minimal and only one structure was demolished. Typhoon Sperry (Bebeng) The origins of Typhoon Sperry can be traced back to a weak surface circulation that formed on June 24 as part of the monsoon trough northwest of