Typhoon Haiyan – A case study of a tropical storm in a developing country

What Happened?

On 8th November 2013, at 4:40 am, Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms ever recorded, struck the Philippines, hitting the city of Tacloban the hardest. This Category 5 typhoon formed over the Northwest Pacific Ocean, bringing devastating winds of 314 km/h (195 mph) and massive storm surges.

The Primary Effects

Typhoon Haiyan caused widespread destruction across the Philippines, leaving millions struggling to survive. Here’s what happened:

• Winds as strong as 314 km/h tore apart homes and buildings—even evacuation centres weren’t safe!
• Mass homelessness: Over 4.1 million people were left without a home, especially in Western and Eastern Visayas.
• Electricity and communications were knocked out, leaving entire areas in darkness.
• Airports and roads were destroyed, making it harder for help to arrive.
• A massive 5-metre storm surge and 400mm of rain caused flooding up to 1km inland.
• 90% of Tacloban was flattened by the storm.
• 6190 people lost their lives, with 29,000 more injured.
• 14.1 million people were affected across the country.
• $12 billion in damages, including 1.1 million houses destroyed and 1.1 million tonnes of crops lost.
• 1 million farmers and 600,000 hectares of farmland were impacted, causing serious food shortages.
• Even though the main rice harvest had already taken place, storm surges ruined stored rice and seeds, costing the country $53 million. Farmers and fishers were hit hard, with over one-third losing their income, causing a total loss of $724 million.

The Secondary Effects

The destruction didn’t stop when the storm passed. The typhoon triggered a chain of problems that made recovery even harder:

Social Effects:

• Deadly disease outbreaks due to contaminated water.
• Fighting over food and supplies—8 people died in a stampede for food.
• Power cuts lasted for months in some areas.
• Education was disrupted, with many schools destroyed.
• Water sources were polluted by seawater, chemicals, and sewage.

Economic Effects:

An oil tanker ran aground, spilling 800,000 litres of oil, contaminating fishing waters.
The airport was wrecked, slowing down aid efforts.
Looting became widespread due to food shortages.
Rice prices shot up by 12% in 2014, making food even more expensive.

Environmental Effects:

• Mangrove forests were damaged by the oil spill.
• Flooding caused landslides, destroying even more homes and roads.

How Did the World Respond? (Immediate Responses)

• The government issued a televised warning, urging people to evacuate.
• 800,000 people fled their homes, with many seeking shelter in Tacloban’s indoor stadium—tragically, many died when it was flooded.
• Over 1,200 evacuation centres were set up to help survivors.
• A curfew was enforced to prevent looting.
• Three days after the storm, the main airport reopened, allowing aid to arrive.
• Within two weeks, 1 million food packs and 250,000 litres of water were distributed.
• $1.5 billion in foreign aid was pledged, with 33 countries and organisations offering support.
• International rescue teams provided medical aid and assistance, including $88 million in donations.

Rebuilding and Recovery (Long-Term Responses)

• A cash-for-work programme helped locals clear debris and rebuild their communities.
• The charity Oxfam provided new fishing boats to help restore lost livelihoods.
• The government introduced the “Build Back Better” programme (2014), aiming to reconstruct buildings to withstand future storms.
• A no-build zone was created along the coast to reduce future damage from storm surges.
• A new storm surge warning system was developed.
• Mangroves were replanted to act as natural flood defences.

Lessons from Haiyan

Typhoon Haiyan was a devastating reminder of the power of nature. But it also showed how communities and countries can come together to rebuild and prepare for future disasters. With better warnings, stronger buildings, and improved emergency responses, the Philippines is working to protect its people from the next big storm.