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Typhoon Haiyan: primary and secondary effects

This resource examines the impacts of Typhoon Haiyan and helps students to decide whether primary or secondary effects have a greater impact on people, the economy and the environment. Students will begin by categorising the impacts and then they will complete an exam-style question. The PowerPoint comes with accompanying Word worksheets.

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OCR B GCSE Geography Revision

Revision materials to support you in preparing for your GCSE Geography exams. 

GCSE | OCR B GCSE Geography Revision | Global Hazards | Typhoon Haiyan

• What is a natural hazard?
• Types of Natural Hazards
• Hazard Risk
• Plate Tectonics
• Why do tectonic plates move?
• The global distribution of volcanoes and earthquakes
• Destructive plate margins
• Conservative plate margins
• Constructive plate margins
• Causes of earthquakes
• Measuring Earthquakes
• What are the effects of earthquakes?
• Responses to Earthquakes
• Case Study – HIC Earthquake
• Case Study – LIC Earthquake
• Why do people live in tectonically active areas?
• Managing Tectonic Hazards
• Global Atmospheric Circulation

Revision Notes

Weather Hazards Case Studies

Typhoon Haiyan

2012 Drought in the UK

2018 UK Heatwave

Storm Desmond

Interactive Revision

Typhoon haiyan case study ocr b geography.

Typhoon Haiyan, known locally as Yolanda, struck the southeast coast of the Philippines on November 8, 2013. As a super typhoon, it brought devastating winds reaching up to 312 kilometres per hour, making it one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded. The most severely impacted regions included Leyte, Tacloban, and Samar. The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, is frequently affected by around 20 typhoons annually. This makes it a multiple-hazard zone, prone to other natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, landslides, and flooding.

A satellite image of Typhoon Haiyan

Natural Causes:

• Warm Ocean Waters: The Pacific Ocean’s vast expanse of warm waters provides the necessary heat and moisture to fuel powerful typhoons.
• Low Wind Shear: Minimal variation in wind speed and direction with height ensures that the storm maintains its structure and intensity.
• Geographical Layout: The scattered nature of the Philippines’ islands means there are few large landmasses to diminish the typhoon’s strength as it passes.

Human Factors:

• Low Development Levels: The Philippines’ status as an emerging and developing country means limited resources for disaster preparedness and response.
• Rapid Population Growth: Particularly in coastal areas, rapid population increase has led to dense, vulnerable settlements.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Poorly constructed buildings and storm shelters increase damage and casualty rates.

Consequences

Debris lines the streets of Tacloban, Leyte island. This region was the worst affected by the typhoon, causing widespread damage and loss of life. Caritas responds by distributing food, shelter, hygiene kits and cooking utensils. (Photo: Eoghan Rice – Trócaire / Caritas)

• Casualties: The typhoon resulted in at least 6,300 deaths.
• Missing Persons: Approximately 1,800 people were declared missing.
• Displacement: Around 670,000 people were rendered homeless due to the widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure.
• Affected Population: A total of 11.5 million people were impacted by the typhoon, including those who lost their homes, sources of income, or access to basic services.
• Financial Loss: The estimated economic damage amounted to $2.86 billion, encompassing the destruction of property, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
• Primary Industries: Significant devastation occurred in primary industries, particularly fishing and agriculture . The Philippines, one of the largest producers of coconuts, suffered extensive damage to coconut trees. Fishing boats and related infrastructure were also severely affected.
• Rice Production: Approximately 130,000 tonnes of rice were ruined, exacerbating food insecurity and economic loss.
• House Destruction: About 130,000 houses were destroyed, with 90% of the houses in Tacloban being demolished.
• Shelter and Reconstruction: The extensive damage to housing necessitated large-scale relief and rebuilding efforts, stretching the government’s and aid organisations’ resources and capabilities.
• Soil Erosion and Vegetation Loss: The typhoon caused significant soil erosion and vegetation loss, further impacting agriculture and the natural environment.

Immediate Response:

• Evacuation Centres: Over 1,200 centres were established to shelter displaced persons.
• International Aid : Countries like the UK provided substantial aid, including £50 million from the government and HMS Daring for emergency support.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Organizations like ShelterBox distributed essential items such as water purification equipment, blankets, and solar-powered lights.

Government Actions:

• Military Deployment: The Philippine government deployed soldiers to maintain order and assist in relief efforts.
• Food Aid: The Philippine Red Cross provided basic food supplies, including rice and canned goods.

Challenges:

• Accessibility Issues: Heavy rain and damaged infrastructure made it difficult to reach remote areas.
• Coordination Problems: The vast number of islands complicated the assessment of damage and aid distribution .

Typhoon Haiyan’s catastrophic impact on the Philippines highlighted the vulnerability of EDCs to natural disasters. The combination of natural conditions conducive to typhoon formation and human factors such as poverty and rapid urbanisation exacerbated the disaster’s severity. The response showcased the challenges and the crucial role of international cooperation and local resilience in disaster management. Future efforts must focus on improving infrastructure, enhancing early warning systems, and developing sustainable urban planning to mitigate the effects of such natural events.

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Tropical Storms Case Study: Haiyan

Typhoon haiyan (2013).

Typhoon Haiyan was a Category 5 ‘super’ typhoon that affected the Philippines in November 2013.

• The storm formed over the warm tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean and moved westwards.
• Winds reached 275 km/hr.
• The storm surge devastated the city of Tacloban on the island of Leyte.

Primary effects

• 6,300 were killed.
• Damage to 40,000 homes.
• 90% of the city of Tacloban was destroyed.

Secondary effects

• Roads were blocked by landslides that were caused by flooding.
• Disease outbreaks were caused by a lack of clean water and sanitation.

Responses to Typhoon Haiyan

• Overseas aid from NGOs (non-governmental organisations).
• 1,200 evacuation centres were set up.
• Aid in the forms of finance and supplies from the UN (United Nations).
• Homes were rebuilt in safer areas.

1 The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1 Natural Hazards

1.1.1 Natural Hazards

1.1.2 Types of Natural Hazards

1.1.3 Factors Affecting Risk

1.1.4 People Affecting Risk

1.1.5 Ability to Cope With Natural Hazards

1.1.6 How Serious Are Natural Hazards?

1.1.7 End of Topic Test - Natural Hazards

1.1.8 Exam-Style Questions - Natural Hazards

1.2 Tectonic Hazards

1.2.1 The Earth's Layers

1.2.2 Tectonic Plates

1.2.3 The Earth's Tectonic Plates

1.2.4 Convection Currents

1.2.5 Plate Margins

1.2.6 Volcanoes

1.2.7 Volcano Eruptions

1.2.8 Effects of Volcanoes

1.2.9 Primary Effects of Volcanoes

1.2.10 Secondary Effects of Volcanoes

1.2.11 Responses to Volcanic Eruptions

1.2.12 Immediate Responses to Volcanoes

1.2.13 Long-Term Responses to Volcanoes

1.2.14 Earthquakes

1.2.15 Earthquakes at Different Plate Margins

1.2.16 What is an Earthquake?

1.2.17 Measuring Earthquakes

1.2.18 Immediate Responses to Earthquakes

1.2.19 Long-Term Responses to Earthquakes

1.2.20 Case Studies: The L'Aquila Earthquake

1.2.21 Case Studies: The Kashmir Earthquake

1.2.22 Earthquake Case Study: Chile 2010

1.2.23 Earthquake Case Study: Nepal 2015

1.2.24 Reducing the Impact of Tectonic Hazards

1.2.25 Protecting & Planning

1.2.26 Living with Tectonic Hazards 2

1.2.27 End of Topic Test - Tectonic Hazards

1.2.28 Exam-Style Questions - Tectonic Hazards

1.2.29 Tectonic Hazards - Statistical Skills

1.3 Weather Hazards

1.3.1 Winds & Pressure

1.3.2 The Global Atmospheric Circulation Model

1.3.3 Surface Winds

1.3.4 UK Weather Hazards

1.3.5 Changing Weather in the UK

1.3.6 Tropical Storms

1.3.7 Tropical Storm Causes

1.3.8 Features of Tropical Storms

1.3.9 The Structure of Tropical Storms

1.3.10 The Effect of Climate Change on Tropical Storms

1.3.11 The Effects of Tropical Storms

1.3.12 Responses to Tropical Storms

1.3.13 Reducing the Effects of Tropical Storms

1.3.14 Tropical Storms Case Study: Katrina

1.3.15 Tropical Storms Case Study: Haiyan

1.3.16 UK Weather Hazards Case Study: Somerset 2014

1.3.17 End of Topic Test - Weather Hazards

1.3.18 Exam-Style Questions - Weather Hazards

1.3.19 Weather Hazards - Statistical Skills

1.4 Climate Change

1.4.1 Climate Change

1.4.2 Evidence for Climate Change

1.4.3 Natural Causes of Climate Change

1.4.4 Human Causes of Climate Change

1.4.5 Effects of Climate Change on the Environment

1.4.6 Effects of Climate Change on People

1.4.7 Climate Change Mitigation Strategies

1.4.8 Adaptation to Climate Change

1.4.9 End of Topic Test - Climate Change

1.4.10 Exam-Style Questions - Climate Change

1.4.11 Climate Change - Statistical Skills

2 The Living World

2.1 Ecosystems

2.1.1 Ecosystems

2.1.2 Food Chains & Webs

2.1.3 Ecosystem Cascades

2.1.4 Global Ecosystems

2.1.5 Ecosystem Case Study: Freshwater Ponds

2.2 Tropical Rainforests

2.2.1 Tropical Rainforests

2.2.2 Interdependence of Tropical Rainforests

2.2.3 Adaptations of Plants to Rainforests

2.2.4 Adaptations of Animals to Rainforests

2.2.5 Biodiversity of Tropical Rainforests

2.2.6 Deforestation

2.2.7 Impacts of Deforestation

2.2.8 Case Study: Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest

2.2.9 Why Protect Rainforests?

2.2.10 Sustainable Management of Rainforests

2.2.11 Case Study: Malaysian Rainforest

2.2.12 End of Topic Test - Tropical Rainforests

2.2.13 Exam-Style Questions - Tropical Rainforests

2.2.14 Deforestation - Statistical Skills

2.3 Hot Deserts

2.3.1 Hot Deserts

2.3.2 Interdependence in Hot Deserts

2.3.3 Adaptation of Plants to Hot Deserts

2.3.4 Adaptation of Animals to Hot Deserts

2.3.5 Biodiversity in Hot Deserts

2.3.6 Case Study: Sahara Desert

2.3.7 Desertification

2.3.8 Reducing the Risk of Desertification

2.3.9 Case Study: Thar Desert

2.3.10 End of Topic Test - Hot Deserts

2.3.11 Exam-Style Questions - Hot Deserts

2.4 Tundra & Polar Environments

2.4.1 Overview of Cold Environments

2.4.2 Interdependence of Cold Environments

2.4.3 Adaptations of Plants to Cold Environments

2.4.4 Adaptations of Animals to Cold Environments

2.4.5 Biodiversity in Cold Environments

2.4.6 Case Study: Alaska

2.4.7 Sustainable Management

2.4.8 Case Study: Svalbard

2.4.9 End of Topic Test - Tundra & Polar Environments

2.4.10 Exam-Style Questions - Cold Environments

3 Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1 The UK Physical Landscape

3.1.1 The UK Physical Landscape

3.1.2 Examples of the UK's Landscape

3.2 Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.2.1 Types of Wave

3.2.2 Weathering

3.2.3 Mass Movement

3.2.4 Processes of Erosion

3.2.5 Wave-Cut Platforms

3.2.6 Headlands & Bays

3.2.7 Caves, Arches & Stacks

3.2.8 Longshore Drift

3.2.9 Sediment Transport

3.2.10 Deposition

3.2.11 Spits, Bars & Sand Dunes

3.2.12 Coastal Management - Hard Engineering

3.2.13 Coastal Management - Soft Engineering

3.2.14 Case Study: Landforms on the Dorset Coast

3.2.15 Coastal Management - Managed Retreat

3.2.16 Coastal Management Case Study - Holderness

3.2.17 Coastal Management Case Study: Swanage

3.2.18 Coastal Management Case Study - Lyme Regis

3.2.19 End of Topic Test - Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.2.20 Exam-Style Questions - Coasts

3.3 River Landscapes in the UK

3.3.1 The Long Profile of a River

3.3.2 The Cross Profile of a River

3.3.3 Vertical & Lateral Erosion

3.3.4 River Valley Case Study - River Tees

3.3.5 Processes of Erosion

3.3.6 Sediment Transport

3.3.7 River Deposition

3.3.8 Waterfalls & Gorges

3.3.9 Interlocking Spurs

3.3.10 Meanders

3.3.11 Oxbow Lakes

3.3.12 Floodplains

3.3.13 Levees

3.3.14 Estuaries

3.3.15 Case Study: The River Clyde

3.3.16 River Management

3.3.17 Hydrographs

3.3.18 Flood Defences - Hard Engineering

3.3.19 Flood Defences - Soft Engineering

3.3.20 River Management Case Study - Boscastle

3.3.21 River Management Case Study - Banbury

3.3.22 End of Topic Test - River Landscapes in the UK

3.3.23 Exam-Style Questions - Rivers

3.4 Glacial Landscapes in the UK

3.4.1 The UK in the Last Ice Age

3.4.2 Glacial Processes

3.4.3 Glacial Landforms Caused by Erosion

3.4.4 Tarns, Corries, Glacial Troughs & Truncated Spurs

3.4.5 Types of Moraine

3.4.6 Drumlins & Erratics

3.4.7 Snowdonia

3.4.8 Land Use in Glaciated Areas

3.4.9 Conflicts in Glacial Landscapes

3.4.10 Tourism in Glacial Landscapes

3.4.11 Coping with Tourism Impacts in Glacial Landscapes

3.4.12 Case Study - Lake District

3.4.13 End of Topic Test - Glacial Landscapes in the UK

3.4.14 Exam-Style Questions - Glacial Landscapes

4 Urban Issues & Challenges

4.1 Urban Issues & Challenges

4.1.1 Urbanisation

4.1.2 Factors Causing Urbanisation

4.1.3 Megacities

4.1.4 Urbanisation Case Study: Lagos

4.1.5 Urbanisation Case Study: Rio de Janeiro

4.1.6 UK Cities

4.1.7 Case Study: Urban Regen Projects - Manchester

4.1.8 Case Study: Urban Change in Liverpool

4.1.9 Case Study: Urban Change in Bristol

4.1.10 Sustainable Urban Life

4.1.11 Reducing Traffic Congestion

4.1.12 End of Topic Test - Urban Issues & Challenges

4.1.13 Exam-Style Questions - Urban Issues & Challenges

4.1.14 Urban Issues -Statistical Skills

5 The Changing Economic World

5.1 The Changing Economic World

5.1.1 Measuring Development

5.1.2 Limitations of Developing Measures

5.1.3 Classifying Countries Based on Wealth

5.1.4 The Demographic Transition Model

5.1.5 Stages of the Demographic Transition Model

5.1.6 Physical Causes of Uneven Development

5.1.7 Historical Causes of Uneven Development

5.1.8 Economic Causes of Uneven Development

5.1.9 Consequences of Uneven Development

5.1.10 How Can We Reduce the Global Development Gap?

5.1.11 Case Study: Tourism in Kenya

5.1.12 Case Study: Tourism in Jamaica

5.1.13 Case Study: Economic Development in India

5.1.14 Case Study: Aid & Development in India

5.1.15 Case Study: Economic Development in Nigeria

5.1.16 Case Study: Aid & Development in Nigeria

5.1.17 End of Topic Test - The Changing Economic World

5.1.18 Exam-Style Questions - The Changing Economic World

5.1.19 Changing Economic World - Statistical Skills

5.2 Economic Development in the UK

5.2.1 Causes of Economic Change in the UK

5.2.2 The UK's Post-Industrial Economy

5.2.3 The Impacts of UK Industry on the Environment

5.2.4 Change in the UK's Rural Areas

5.2.5 Transport in the UK

5.2.6 The North-South Divide

5.2.7 Regional Differences in the UK

5.2.8 The UK's Links to the World

6 The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1 Resource Management

6.1.1 Global Distribution of Resources

6.1.2 Uneven Distribution of Resources

6.1.3 Food in the UK

6.1.4 Agribusiness

6.1.5 Demand for Water in the UK

6.1.6 Water Pollution in the UK

6.1.7 Matching Supply & Demand of Water in the UK

6.1.8 The UK's Energy Mix

6.1.9 Issues with Sources of Energy

6.1.10 Resource Management - Statistical Skills

6.2.1 Areas of Food Surplus & Food Deficit

6.2.2 Increasing Food Consumption

6.2.3 Food Supply & Food Insecurity

6.2.4 Impacts of Food Insecurity

6.2.5 Increasing Food Supply

6.2.6 Case Study: Thanet Earth

6.2.7 Creating a Sustainable Food Supply

6.2.8 Case Study: Agroforestry in Mali

6.2.9 End of Topic Test - Food

6.2.10 Exam-Style Questions - Food

6.2.11 Food - Statistical Skills

6.3.1 Water Surplus & Water Deficit

6.3.2 Increasing Water Consumption

6.3.3 What Affects the Availability of Water?

6.3.4 Impacts of Water Insecurity

6.3.5 Increasing Water Supplies

6.3.6 Case Study: Water Transfer in China

6.3.7 Sustainable Water Supply

6.3.8 Case Study: Kenya's Sand Dams

6.3.9 Case Study: Lesotho Highland Water Project

6.3.10 Case Study: Wakel River Basin Project

6.3.11 Exam-Style Questions - Water

6.3.12 Water - Statistical Skills

6.4.1 Global Demand for Energy

6.4.2 Increasing Energy Consumption

6.4.3 Factors Affecting Energy Supply

6.4.4 Impacts of Energy Insecurity

6.4.5 Increasing Energy Supply - Solar

6.4.6 Increasing Energy Supply - Water

6.4.7 Increasing Energy Supply - Wind

6.4.8 Increasing Energy Supply - Nuclear

6.4.9 Increasing Energy Supply - Fossil Fuels

6.4.10 Carbon Footprints

6.4.11 Energy Conservation

6.4.12 Case Study: Rice Husks in Bihar

6.4.13 Exam-Style Questions - Energy

6.4.14 Energy - Statistical Skills

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Tropical Storms Case Study: Katrina

UK Weather Hazards Case Study: Somerset 2014

Tropical Cyclone Teaching Resources

Overview document for teachers – START HERE.

At the bottom of the page, you will also find some further reading/ background information for teachers, if you would like to deepen your understanding of Tropical Cyclones.

Introduction to Tropical Cyclones

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Tropical cyclones – the basics PowerPoint.

What do you call a tropical cyclone – physical basemap

What do you call a tropical cyclone – cumulative hurricanes basemap .

Teacher resource – Tropical Cyclone basics answers.

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What do you call a tropical cyclone? ( cumulative hurricanes or physical basemap )

What kind of storm?

Where, Why and How do they Form?

Our  Tropical Cyclone Challenge – use the online interactive resource with accompanying worksheet to discover the recipe for a Tropical Cyclone.

Tropical cyclones: where, why, how PowerPoint.

Thunderstorm recipe (teacher) .

Thunderstorm recipe

Making things spin .

SST exercise .

Homework task:

A long time ago

Tracking Tropical Cyclones

Tracking tropical cyclones PowerPoint

Japan Decision Making Exercise

Tropical cyclones – hazards PowerPoint.

Hurricane Harvey Links

Storm surge worksheet- answers .

Hazard posters .

Tropical cyclone hazards worksheet .

Storm surge worksheet .

Case study: Hurricane Harvey and worksheet .

Homework task :

Option 1: Hurricane Harvey case study and Hunting Hazards .

Option 2: Tropical cyclones worksheet

Option 3: GIS hurricane task .

Tropical cyclones – Impacts PowerPoint.

Cyclone Idai Links

The many ways a tropical cyclone can kill you (teacher) .

The many ways a tropical cyclone can kill you .

The other effects a tropical cyclone may have .

Case study – Cyclone Ida i .

Extra : Tracking hurricane Irma .

Tropical cyclones – responses PowerPoint.

Super Typhoon Haiyan/ Yolanda Links .

Case study – Haiyan .

Response Decision Making Exercise .

Typhoon Haiyan disaster response .

Homework task : GDACS mapping exercise and maps .

Assessment Resource : Cyclone Fani Decision Making Exercise ; Cyclone Fani DME resource booklet .

Background Information for Teachers

• Distribution, Monitoring and Warning
• Naming Tropical Cyclones
• Cyclone Lifecycle
• Using Remote Sensing to Measure Tropical Cyclone Intensity
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• Cyclone Motion
• Impacts and Responses

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• Typhoon Haiyan

On 2 November 2013, a low-pressure area developed in the Pacific Ocean, which was upgraded to a tropical storm named Haiyan on 4 November. The storm moved onwards, eventually making landfall in the Philippines on 8 November at 4:40 am local time as a Category 5 storm. With wind speeds up to 195 mph/315 km/h and gusts up to 235 mph/376 km/h, it wreaks havoc before moving on, eventually disintegrating over Guangxi, China. When the storm passed, more than 14 million people were heavily affected by the path of Typhoon Haiyan, the most powerful storm in 2013 and one of the most powerful typhoons of all time. Read on to learn more about this devastating storm's effects on the Philippines.

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True or False: the people who sought refuge in an indoor stadium in Tacloban died when the roof collapsed?

True or False: the Aquino government got a lot of criticism for acting slowly in the relief efforts. 

What category was Typhoon Haiyan?

True or False: Approximately 75% of Tacloban was destroyed?

When did Typhoon Haiyan make landfall in Eastern Samar in the Philippines?

What are the long-term responses to Typhoon Haiyan? (Select 3)

Coconut, rice and sugarcane production accounted for _____% of the Philippines’ GDP before Typhoon Haiyan hit.

True or False: Around 600,000 hectares of farmland were affected. 

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Typhoon Haiyan case study

Typhoon Haiyan was one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded; it was also the second deadliest typhoon recorded in the Philippines, after Typhoon Haiphong in 1881. Read on to learn more about the Typhoon Haiyan case study.

Did you know: in the Philippines, Typhoon Haiyan is also known as Typhoon Yolanda

Path of Typhoon Haiyan

Typhoon Haiyan did not start out as a typhoon at all. It originated as a low-pressure area in the Federated States of Micronesia (in the western Pacific Ocean) on 2 November 2013.

The storm moved westwards, and by 4 November, it had gradually developed into a tropical storm, now named Haiyan. Then, things progressed quickly as the storm became a typhoon by 5 November. By 6 November, Typhoon Haiyan became a Category 5 storm that hit parts of Micronesia and Palau with wind speeds of over 157 mph/252 km/h.

Typhoon Haiyan entered the Philippines on 7 November and made landfall in Eastern Samar at 4:40 am on 8 November. It hits with full Category 5 force, leaving a path of destruction throughout several areas of the Philippines, mainly the Visayas, the central island group of the Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan moves out into the South China Sea, heading towards Vietnam by 9 November. By this time, the typhoon has weakened into a storm. The storm, already weakened, made landfall in northeast Vietnam on 10 November until it eventually disintegrated into bands of rain over Guanxi, China, on 11 November.

Typhoon Haiyan category

Typhoons are categorised into five categories based on the Saffir-Sampson Hurricane Wind scales. These categories are based on sustained wind speeds. Categories 1 and 2 are destructive, with winds between 74 to 95 mph (Category 1) and 96 to 110 mph (Category 2). If the wind speeds increase further, the storm can be updated to a Category 3, with speeds between 111 and 129 mph, and a Category 4, with wind speeds between 130 and 156 mph. These categories are labelled ‘catastrophic’. When sustained winds reach or go beyond 157 mph, it will become a Category 5, a storm that causes pure devastation. Typhoon Haiyan was a Category 5 when it hit the Philippines.

The table below shows the dates and wind speeds of the storm.

Primary effects of Typhoon Haiyan

Typhoon Haiyan had massive effects on the places where it passed/touched land. The primary effects were:

• 1.1 million homes were badly damaged or completely destroyed, and 4.1 million people became homeless, particularly around Eastern and Western Visayas (Philippines).
• Other buildings were also damaged.
• Powerlines were damaged.
• Communication was down.
• Tacloban Airport in Leyte province (Philippines) was damaged.
• Roads were blocked by debris and fallen trees.
• The infrastructure was damaged.
• There was a 5-metre storm surge in Leyte and Tacloban (Philippines). Furthermore, both places were affected by 400mm of rainfall which flooded the area up to 1km inland.
• Approximately 90% of Tacloban (Philippines) was destroyed.
• Approximately 1.1 million tonnes of crops were destroyed.
• Around 600,000 hectares of farmland were affected.
• Over 3/4 of farmers and fishers lost their income, a loss of $724 million.
• Even though harvest season was over, rice and seeds were lost in the storm surges, a loss of $53 million.
• The overall cost of damage was estimated at $12 billion.
• A total of 14.1 million people were affected, and 6,190 people lost their lives. To this day, there are still people missing. The estimated death toll is as high as 10,000.

Did you know: Bodies were discovered even well into 2019, 6 years after the storm!

Apart from the primary effects mentioned above, there were also secondary effects. An oil barge was stranded at Estancia, leaking a staggering 800,000 litres of oil. The oil contaminated the waters, killing marine life, and it caused a stop to fishing. The oil even contaminated 10 hectares of mangroves 10km inland!

The damage to the agricultural and fishing industries caused a food shortage. People began looting and fighting over food and supplies; eight people died during a stampede for rice supplies. The damage to fields and rice seeds caused rice prices to rise by 11.9% by 2014.

The flooding damaged people’s houses and agriculture and caused surface and groundwater to be contaminated with seawater, debris, industrial and agricultural chemicals, and sewage systems. Water was now contaminated, and there were increased chances of infection and the spreading of diseases.

The local government collapsed in many areas because many local officials died during the storm. This had a significant impact as it took some time to get everything in (working) order.

Typhoon Haiyan responses

In the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, there were immediate and long-term responses. Let’s take a closer look at both.

Immediate responses

Benigno Aquino III, then-President of the Philippines, televised a warning of the upcoming storm, and the authorities evacuated 800,000 people. An indoor stadium in Tacloban had a reinforced roof to withstand typhoon winds, so many sought refuge here, thinking they were safe. While they were safe from the typhoon winds, unfortunately, many people died when the following water flooded the stadium. Ahead of the storm, the government ensured that essential equipment and medical supplies were sent out; however, in one region, these were washed away.

There were worries about substantial outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, which would only increase the death toll. The WHO (World Health Organisation) and other relief agencies took prompt actions to ensure that such outbreaks were kept isolated and to a minimum.

Three days after the storm had passed, Tacloban Airport was open again, and emergency supplies began arriving by plane, with one million food packs and 250,000 litres of water distributed within two weeks.

The storm also led to looting, where houses and shops were broken into, and goods were stolen. In light of this, a curfew was imposed just two days after the storm. Furthermore, power was entirely or partially restored, depending on the region, in a week.

Thirty-three countries and international organisations pledged help to the affected regions. Support came in the form of rescue operations and aid estimated at $88.871 million. Among those who helped were celebrities such as the Beckhams and large multinationals such as Coca-Cola, Apple and FIFA, who donated money and used their status and influence to help raise global awareness of the Philippines' predicament and encourage the public to donate. Over $1.5 billion in foreign aid was pledged.

Did you know : the Aquino government got a lot of criticism for acting slowly in the relief efforts?

Long-term responses

Along with the immediate responses mentioned above, there were also a few important, long-term responses.

In July 2014, the Philippine government stated they were working on the country’s long-term recovery. The primary long-term response is the so-called ‘Build Back Better.' This means that buildings would not simply be rebuilt but would also be upgraded to offer better protection when, not if, a new disaster strikes.

Other long-term responses are a ‘no build zone’ along Eastern Visayas’ coast, a new storm surge warning system, the replanting of mangroves, and plans to build the Tacloban-Palo-Tanauan Road Dike. The latter should be able to help protect the area from floods .

Typhoon Haiyan facts

Here are some quick facts about Typhoon Haiyan:

• Typhoon Haiyan, also known as Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, was a Category 5 typhoon by the time it hit the Philippines.
• Coconut, rice and sugarcane production accounted for 12.7% of the Philippines’ GDP before Typhoon Haiyan hit.
• On 7 November, the Tacloban area was struck by the northern eyewall. This is the most powerful part of the storm.
• The Philippines is a poverty-stricken area in general. This means that the area had poor defences against storms, to begin with; it also means that the storm had even more significant consequences as homes and other buildings were damaged, fishing and agriculture were damaged, and there were even fewer resources such as food and water than before the storm.
• It took a considerable amount of time to recover from Typhoon Haiyan. There were immediate issues such as damaged houses/buildings, infrastructure and food problems, and long-term social, economic and environmental impacts that had to be addressed. While some of the more immediate issues were dealt with rather quickly, some long-term issues took years. That said, five years after the storm, the Philippines, and Tacloban, in particular, have recovered, and things were back to normal.

Typhoon Haiyan - Key takeaways

• Typhoon Haiyan, also known as Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines, was one of the strongest cyclones ever recorded, namely Category 5, and the second deadliest in the Philippines.
• Many primary effects were damaged homes, agricultural and fishing businesses, and loss of life.
• One of the more dire secondary effects was weakened local governments because many government officials died or went missing.
• The Philippine government were criticised for reacting slowly to the storm and its aftermath.
• Long-term responses include a 'Build Back Better' where houses were not only rebuilt but upgraded to withstand storms better, and a ‘no build zone’ along Eastern Visayas’ coast.
• Fig. 2: Destruction in Tacloban, the Philippines, on 14 November 2013, 2 weeks after Typhoon Haiyan (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tacloban_Typhoon_Haiyan_2013-11-14.jpg) by Trocaire (https://www.flickr.com/people/8485582@N07) Licensed by CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en)

Flashcards in Typhoon Haiyan 12

All of the above

Typhoon Yolanda

Federated States of Micronesia (in the western Pacific Ocean)

True or False:  the Aquino government got a lot of criticism for acting slowly in the relief efforts.  

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Frequently Asked Questions about Typhoon Haiyan

Where did Typhoon Haiyan start and end? 

Typhoon Haiyan started in the Federated States of Micronesia (in the western Pacific Ocean) and ended over the Guanxi region in China. 

What was the category of Typhoon Haiyan? 

Typhoon Haiyan was a Category 5 storm.

What were the effects of Typhoon Haiyan? 

There were many primary effects, such as loss of life, damaged homes, damage to agricultural and fishing industries, and an overall estimated cost of $12 billion.

What did the government do after Typhoon Haiyan? 

The government was initially slow to respond and was criticised for it. Eventually, they acted. The primary long-term response is the 'Build Back Better', an initiative where homes and buildings were not only rebuilt but also upgraded to offer better protection against future storms. Furthermore, they opted for a 'no build' zone along Eastern Visayas' coast, new storm surge warning systems, replanting of mangroves, and the Tacloban-Palo-Tanauan Road Dike.

How long did it take the Philippines to recover from Typhoon Haiyan? 

While certain issues were resolved relatively quickly, such as getting the power working again, other issues took longer. About 5 years after the storm, the Philippines, and Tacloban in particular, have recovered, and things were back to normal.  

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Typhoon Haiyan Documentary Worksheet

Subject: Geography

Age range: 11 - 18

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

7 June 2024

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A worksheet designed to accompany the NOVA ‘Killer Typhoon’ documentary which is about the strongest cyclone to hit land in recorded history - Typhoon Haiyan, Philippines, November 2013. Focuses on what made the typhoon so destructive, the effects, responses and how can we prepare for the next monster storm.

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFBUkT-jw0o

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