Typhoon Haiyan 2013 - Path Maps, News Updates: Strongest Storm this Year May Affect 12 Million Filipinos
The strongest typhoon to hit land this year has already hit the country of the Philippines, forcing over a million citizens to flee their homes, as strong rains cause major floods all over the country.
Typhoon Haiyan, or Yolanda as it was locally named in the country, has already slammed the central region of the South East Asian country. Just before dawn on Friday, Haiyan hit the island of Samar in the Philippines, with a maximum sustained winds of 315 kilometers. According to local news site GMA News, the heavy rains have already destroyed communities, tearing roofs, ruining crops and washing away homes.
"We've had reports of uprooted trees, very strong winds...and houses made of light materials being damaged," Philippine Red Cross chief Gwendolyn Pang explained, reports GMA.
So far, three people have already been killed by the typhoon. The New York Post notes that one was electrocuted, while another died after being crushed by a fallen tree.
Southern Leyte Gov. Roger Mercado said that more than 30,000 of the province's residents have already evacuated their homes in the fear of floods and other accidents. He told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that the morning sky almost seem like night with the storm clouds.
"When you're faced with such a scenario, you can only pray, and pray and pray," the governor said, notes NY Post.
Reuters also reports that authorities warned that over 12 million people could be greatly affected by the typhoon. So far, seven are already recorded to severely injured.
"The super typhoon likely made landfall with winds near 195 mph (313 kph). This makes Haiyan the strongest tropical cyclone on record to make landfall," Weather Underground director of meteorology Jeff Masters told Reuters.
The typhoon has also made its wave online as well. On Twitter, #PrayForThePhilippines has been the top trending topic throughout the day, and is still on the list until now.
President Benigno Aquino III notes, however, that the country is taking precautionary preparations to make sure it is ready for whatever the typhoon will bring. NY Post reports that the government prepared three C-130 air force planes, 32 military helicopters and 20 navy ships for rescue efforts if needed.
Image of Typhoon Haiyan on Philippine Map:
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