Sydney Russo
6th Period
12/5/13
The Cause and Effects of Typhoon Haiyan
Typhoons are known for their catastrophic damage to people, to homes, to economies, to government, and to the land they touch. When they barrel into an area, they rip the landscape apart; there is no stopping them. Severe weather conditions cause hurricanes, which ultimately become typhoons, and the effects are devastating. The most recent occurrence of a typhoon, Typhoon Haiyan, made a shocking impact on the Philippines. This Super Typhoon was a “category five” when first hit land on November 7th, 2013. Super typhoons are one of the most destructive natural disasters, which are very powerful and dangerous storms to all those who cross its’ paths. Meteorologists have found that typhoons almost always start in the Pacific Ocean. Even though these storms start off weak, they can strengthen, change directions, and cause significant damage to everything they pass. One major concern that Super Typhoon Haiyan “Yolanda” caused are the climate and terrain change. This year’s typhoon season has been bizarre. Only five typhoons sustaining 118 km/h formed from January to September. On average, there are about twelve by the end of September. Last month, about seven typhoons formed making it a new record for the month of October. From there on, the tropical cyclone this year accelerated. Now, in November, Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines as a category five typhoon and had up to 223 km/h winds on November 7th. Many scientists believe that this intense typhoon’s origin is from the warm ocean water, or, as some may call it, global warming. There are others stating that the typhoon are manmade pollution and factories. Either way, the world needs to find a way to mend this problem before something even bigger and stronger is created. As a result of Typhoon Haiyan, the people of the Philippines and their homes have been destroyed. As many as 10,000 people are feared dead in the Philippines. Just about 800,000 people were forced to abandon their homes, not knowing how bad the damage would really be. Since the damage was said to be extensive, only the concrete buildings stood tall throughout villages and cities. About 4 million people were affected by this typhoon, according to the National Disaster Agency. People from all over the world are concerned, if their families are safe. A make shift clinic has been set up at one of the airports in Leyte, the capital, and it is one of the few places where people whom are injured can go to for help. Given the wide devastation, it is expected that the hunger emergency and the troubles of the refugees will last several months. Most of the people in the Philippines haven’t had food and/or water for days. Most parents have to take their kids to hospitals and clinics because they are so severely dehydrated. Therefore, people are tying up medical personal that could help others who are dying. These sanatoriums have run out of medicine and are almost out of IVs. Japan is sending an abundance of medicine and twenty-five medical workers to help out the doctors and nurses feeling overwhelmed. While the United States, is sending troops and medical care to help, Doctor Without Borders. There is no doubt that this has had an impact on the people and land, but there has been a great alteration also to its economy and government. This disaster is going to affect their economy and government for years to come. The Philippians’ government was supposed to boost at least six percent, but next year the damage of this super typhoon will grow about two percent less than what was intended. In the following years, the government is investing at least twenty percent of their budget into rebuilding
