5 Things You Need to Know About the Philippines Typhoon
One of the strongest tropical storms ever recorded hit the Philippines on November 8, 2013, causing immense destruction and displacing thousands. The extent of the damage is still unclear, but it is sure to be serious.
Here are five things you need to know about the storm:
1. Typhoon Haiyan is one of the most powerful ever Locally known as "Yolanda", the tropical storm is one of the strongest to ever hit land, with winds of 145 miles per hour and gusts as high as 170 miles per hour. It’s also huge in size, covering two thirds of the country.
2. This is not the only disaster to strike the Philippines The storm comes only a few weeks after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake shook the province of Bohol. Typhoon Haiyan is the 24th tropical cyclone to hit the disaster-stricken country this year.
3. Thousands of Filipinos are already displaced The Philippine government started preparing for the storm days before it hit, evacuating thousands of people who were living in low-lying and coastal areas. Many of those evacuated were already living in tents following the earthquake in October.
4. UNICEF has a long history in the Philippines UNICEF has had a presence in the Philippines since 1948. It is currently responding to three emergencies there: the armed conflict in Zamboanga in September; last month’s earthquake in Bohol; and now, Typhoon Haiyan.
5. UNICEF is prepared to respond quickly to children’s needs UNICEF is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to deploy emergency supplies related to nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene. UNICEF is also prepared to address education and child protection needs in the aftermath of the storm. Your support can help UNICEF respond to all vulnerable children affected by Typhoon Haiyan.
