Haiyan Devastates Philippines
November 22, 2013
Haiyan, a typhoon that hit Tacloban city in the Philippines on Nov. 8 is said to be one of the most powerful storms ever recorded, with a wind speed of 190 miles per hour and gusts reaching 235 miles per hour. This category five typhoon destroyed about 70 to 80 percent of structures in its path.
It was estimated that 10,000 Tacloban residents were killed and the government death toll as of Tuesday has reached 218,000, while just the day before it was said to have been 1,744. It is also recorded that 631,795 people have been displaced due to Haiyan.
Tacloban’s average size police force is 290, but 20 of those police officers have shown up for duty since the typhoon.
Three Philippine military aircrafts have ferried relief and refugees as of Monday. Only 22.2 percent of road in the Philippines are paved and it took an aid vehicle six hours to drive 14 miles from Tacloban’s airport to the city center.
It’s estimated that eight to nine typhoons hit the Philippines every year, Haiyan is by far the worst and has affected other countries as well. The U.S. has aided the Philippines with $20 million, Japan $10 million, Australia $9.6 million, China $200,000, and The Red Cross gave $95 million.
Many are trying to aid and support the Philippines so if you would like to help and send money you may go to:
