Many have heard the word typhoon before, but not many understand the intensity of the destruction it can cause.
A typhoon is an extremely aggressive tropical, or rotating storm, which produces very strong winds and heavy rain. Typhoons can often be accompanied by such strong winds that are formed. In addition, they can cause volatile waves in the ocean that can damage shorelines.
Typhoon Haiyan, or Typhoon Yolanda as it is locally known in the Philippines, was recorded at the strongest tropical cyclone in history with winds reaching up to 315 kilometres an hour.
Super typhoon Haiyan was measured to have equivalent destructive force to a category 5 hurricane. It has been agreed that this is the most severe storm that has ever made landfall.
The typhoon wiped out entire villages and took many lives. Local officials estimate that in Tacloban City alone, 10,000 people are estimated dead. In addition, Haiyan destroyed schools and homes, displacing hundreds of thousands. It has also destroyed an airport terminal.
An estimated 4 million people have been affected country wide and are struggling for access to basic amenities. Many NGOs are rushing to assist those in need.
Richard Gordon, the chief of the Philippine Red Cross explained, “There’s an awful lot of casualties, a lot of people dead all over the place, a lot of destruction.”
UN undersecretary general of humanitarian affairs, Valerie Amos, said, “The United Nations agencies in the Philippines, with their humanitarian partners, are supporting the government and other responders in their efforts to assess the situation and respond rapidly with vital supplies, through the coordination system led by the local authorities.”
She continued explaining the severity of the situation saying, “The government estimates that some 4.3 million people are affected, across 36 provinces, and initial assessments show that thousands of homes have been destroyed, roads are impassable and people need food, water, shelter and power.”
A number of government bodies across the world have begun contributing to relief organizations to provide aid for those in need.
Norway, the United Arab Emirates, Canada and the United Kingdom are just a few countries who have already pledged to donate large sums of money to show support in their time of need.
Donations are also being made from people all over the world to a number of different relief organizations.
If you would like to donate online please click on one of the links below.
The UNFP Haiyan Fund
Habitat for Humanity