Typhoon Haiyan

• Background Information

  1. Tacloban, Philippines
  2. 9th November 2013
• Magnitude of Typhoon Haiyan

  1. Category 5 on Saffir-Simpson scale
  2. Winds of up to 275 km/h
  3. Storm was 318 miles across
• Primary effects of Typhoon Haiyan

  • 6300 people killed - most drowned by storm surge
  • 90% Tacloban city destroyed
  • Over 400mm of rain = widespread flooding
• Secondary effects of Typhoon Haiyan

  • Looting and sporadic violence broke out in Tacloban
  • 6 million people jobless.
  • Contaminated water supplies = outbreak of cholera
• Immediate responses to Typhoon Haiyan

  • 1200 evacuation shelters set up for the homeless
  • The RAF delivered over 200 tonnes of aid within 10 days
• Long-term responses of Typhoon Haiyan

  • More cyclone shelters built to evacuate people from coastal areas
  • Aid agencies e.g Oxfam replaced fishing boats - a vital source of income
  • Many homes built in areas at lower risk of flooding
• Primary effects


  • Storm surges over low-lying land leads to flooding
  • Damage to infrastructure
  • Transport + communication lines not working
• Secondary effects


  • Homeless
  • lack of clean water + sanitation --> water-borne diseases
  • looting and sporadic violence
  • loss of businesses so unemployment
• Environmental primary impacts

  • Destruction to coastal habitats
  • Destruction of crops
  • Mudslides
• Economic secondary effects


  • Reduced trade - damage to ports + airports
  • Local economy disrupted, loss of benefits from tourism and manufacturing