typhoon haiyan Flashcards
(17 cards)
When and where did Typhoon Haiyan form?
It formed on 2 November 2013 in the western Pacific near Micronesia.
What made Typhoon Haiyan particularly powerful?
Wind speeds reached 315 km/hr with a central pressure of 895 mb, making it the most powerful landfalling tropical cyclone on record.
Which part of the Philippines was most affected by Haiyan?
The city of Tacloban on the eastern island of Leyte was hit hardest by the northern eyewall and storm surge.
Why were people in Tacloban especially vulnerable to Typhoon Haiyan?
High population density, poorly constructed homes near the coast and on deforested hillsides, and widespread poverty.
How many people were killed and displaced by Typhoon Haiyan?
Over 6,000 dead (possibly up to 10,000); over 6 million displaced and 2 million made homeless.
What was the main cause of death and destruction?
Storm surges up to 6 metres high.
What infrastructure was damaged during Typhoon Haiyan?
Buildings, power lines, roads, communication systems, and Tacloban airport.
What hindered immediate rescue and relief efforts?
Blocked roads, destroyed bridges, cut communications, and damaged transport hubs.
What security issue arose in the aftermath?
Widespread looting occurred due to the breakdown of law and order.
What was the estimated financial cost of Typhoon Haiyan?
$2.9 billion in damages.
How did local government capacity suffer?
Many local officials died, weakening coordination and recovery efforts.
What long-term risk was identified following the typhoon?
Risk of disease outbreaks like cholera and dysentery due to contaminated water.
How did international agencies respond to Typhoon Haiyan?
UN, WHO, and NGOs delivered aid, including food, water, medicine, and disease control.
What was the UK’s contribution to the relief effort?
Deployed two navy ships and 200,000+ tonnes of aid.
What did the US contribute after Typhoon Haiyan?
Sent multiple ships, aircraft, and over 13,000 military personnel to assist.
What made delivering aid difficult in the early days?
Many affected areas were inaccessible due to wreckage and blocked transport routes.
What role did Tacloban airport play after the disaster?
Became the main hub for international aid, despite being severely damaged by storm surge.
