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Typhoon Ruby is expected to make its landfall over Dolores, Eastern Samar tonight between 8-10 PM. Residents in said areas are advised against strong winds, heavy to intense rainfall and storm surges up to 4.5 meters in height.

PAGASA Weather Forecaster Chris Perez says that if Ruby continues to move westward at 10 kph, after crossing Samar Provinces it would traverse the landmass of Ticao Island, Masbate and Romblon within 48 hours.

The Ridge of High Pressure Area influenced the movement of Typhoon Ruby, allowing it to dump more rains over the Visayas areas and portions of Southern Luzon and Northern Mindanao.

As of 1 PM today, Ruby was located at 230 kilometers East of Catarman, Northern Samar with maximum sustained winds of 185 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 220 kph.

Public Storm Warning Signal

Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS) are being raised as Typhoon Ruby moves in closer to the landmass.

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Threat of Storm Surge

Perez explained that coastal areas under Signals no. 3 and 2 are more prone to the possibility of storm surges.

However, the 4.5-meter wave height is not expected in all coastal areas. Perez says the height of storm surge depends on the coastal bathymetry, or as National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) refers to “ocean’s depths that is relative to sea level or the depths and shape of underwater terrains.”

High storm surges are most likely to happen in coastal areas with shallow bathymetry.

Full moon and Storm Surge= STORM TIDE

Tonight, the moon will be on its Full Moon phase when the Moon, Earth and Sun are in near alignment. During this phase, the Moon is at the opposite side of the Earth, its entire illuminated part facing us.

The Full moon has a strong gravitational pull that can affect tidal variations. Because of the Full Moon, Perez says there is a possible occurrence of “storm tide,” which can generate higher waves than storm surges. Storm tide happens with the combined effect of the Full Moon and a storm surge.

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Typhoon Ruby has maintained its strength while nearing the landmass of Eastern Samar. At 10 AM today, Ruby was located at 435 kilometers east of Borongan, Eastern Samar, packing winds of 215 kph near its center and gustiness of about 250 kph.

Within 24 hours, Ruby is expected to be at 120 kilometers east-northeast of Borongan, Eastern Samar. PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez said Ruby is forecast to make landfall between the Northern and Eastern Samar tomorrow evening.

Categorized as a Super Typhoon by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), storm surges of up to 5 meters over the eastern portion of Samar, Bicol and Surigao  are expected.

Heavy to intense rainfall (7.2 to 20mm) is also expected within the 700-kilometer diameter of Ruby. Though Metro Manila will not be hit directly by the eye of the typhoon, its cloud bands will bring heavy to intense rains with gusty winds. The weather bureau added that there is a possibility of raising a Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) once it affects Metro Manila.

Chris said from the press briefing held at PAGASA Weather and Flood Forecasting Center, Ruby may maintain its 250 kilometer radius while crossing the landmass of the Philippines. This means, Ruby will dumped rains over areas within the said radius.

Yolanda Vs. Ruby

Chris explained, in comparison to Super Typhoon Yolanda with 30 plus kph, Ruby is moving in a slower pace with 13 kph. With this scenario, rains will be more concentrated over a certain area that may results to flooding.

Source: PAGASA
Source: PAGASA

Weather Today

Today, aside from Ruby, the northeast monsoon will also bring light rains in Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and the Ilocos Region.

Meanwhile stormy weather is expected in the next 24 hours over Eastern Visayas, the CARAGA Region, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Northern Cebu, including Cebu City and the islands of Bantayan, Camotes and Ticao.

The rest of Visayas and the Bicol Region, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin and Romblon will experience rains with gusty winds. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms for the next hours.

Public Storm Warning Signal

Storm warning signals are now being raised by PAGASAto warn people living in areas likely to be affected by Ruby.

Signal no. 2: Winds of 61-100 kph are expected in at least 24 hours. Few large trees may be uprooted and a large number of nipa and cogon houses may be unroofed.

Signal no. 1: Winds of 30-60 kph are expected in at least 36 hours. Banana plants may tilt or land flat on the ground, rice in flowering stage may suffer significant damage and sea travel of small seacraft and fishing boats is risky.

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As of 3:00 AM today, the typhoon with international name “Hagupit”, has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and was given the local name “Ruby”. At 7:00 AM, the eye of Typhoon Ruby was estimated at 930 kilometers east of Surigao City.

It has maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 210 kilometers per hour. Moving west northwest at 25 kilometers per hour, it continues to move closer to the Philippine landmass.

Source: PAGASA
Source: PAGASA

There are no public storm warning signals yet but as the typhoon nears the country, the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, CARAGA and Davao Region will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers or thunderstorms. Aside from Ruby, the northeast monsoon or amihan prevails over Northern Luzon. This weather system is expected to bring light rains over Cagayan Valley, Aurora and Quezon.

Meanwhile, the Cordillera and Ilocos Regions will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience a chance of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

The seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon, Visayas and of Mindanao will have rough to very rough sea conditions. Expected wind force will range from 52 to 63 kilometers per hour with a wave height of 3.4 to 4.5 meters.

Higher chance of landfall
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Buddy Javier, two scenarios are still being monitored:
1) 75% possibility of Ruby crossing the landmass
2) 25% possibility of Ruby re-curving away from the country.

As a precautionary measure, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a list of areas that are critical due to the threat of Typhoon Ruby.

Critical Areas

Class suspension

Listed below are different schools in Visayas that have already announced class suspension as preparation for the approaching typhoon.

Walang Pasok

At 10:00 AM today, the center of the typhoon Hagupit was estimated at 1,543 kilometers east of Davao City. Packing winds of 140 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 170 kilometers per hour, it maintains its velocity moving west-northwest at 30 kilometers per hour.

If it maintains its speed and direction, it is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) tomorrow, Thursday, and will be given the local name “Ruby”. Upon entering the PAR, the typhoon will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains over Southern Luzon and Visayas.

In a press briefing held earlier today at the PAGASA Weather and Flood Forecasting Center, two scenarios are still expected to happen. However, most meteorological models show a higher chance of landfall activity.

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PAGASA Weather Forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the first possible outcome is the typhoon making landfall over Eastern Visayas, bringing moderate to occasionally heavy rains. Aside from possible flash floods and landslides, storm surges of up to 3 to 4 meters could also occur.

Source: PAGASA
Source: PAGASA

On the other hand, the second scenario shows that if the high pressure area (HPA) weakens, it will give way for Hagupit to re-curve away from the country, leading to Japan. Everyone is advised to monitor updates regarding the approaching typhoon.

No direct effect yet

Hagupit is still far to directly affect the country. However according to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Glaiza Escullar, the outer cloud band of the typhoon is gradually reaching PAR, bringing cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms over Eastern Visayas.

Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon or amihan continues to prevail over Nothern and Central Luzon. Cagayan Valley will have cloudy skies with light rains while the regions of Cordillera, Ilocos and Central Luzon will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Gale warning includes the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon. Fishing boats and other small seacraft are prohibited from venturing over the seaboards of Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Isabela and Aurora.

“Hagupit” compared to previous typhoons

Based on the climatological records of PAGASA, Typhoon Camilla (1949), Typhoon Aning (1966) and Typhoon Seniang (2006) have almost the same location where Hagupit would originate as it enters the PAR.

Source: PAGASA
Source: PAGASA

Meteorology covers a wide variety of terminology that we often hear, but seldom understand and remember. Check out these weather words and be in the know!

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1. CLIMATE

Climate is the general weather pattern in a specific area that involves temperature, humidity, rainfall, air pressure and other meteorological variables over a long period of time. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), some scientists define climate as the average weather condition based on 30 years of observation.

It is important to study climate as it plays a big role in our lives. Rising global temperatures can cause sea levels to rise or affect precipitation over a specific region, human health and various ecosystems. Climate change is one of our generation’s major concerns.

2. SEASON

Season refers to the time of the year caused by the tilting of the Earth. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) says it is the division of the year based on the recurring astronomical or climatic phenomenon.

However, the location of an area, whether it is in the northern or southern hemisphere, affects its seasons. Other regions have complete seasons: winter, spring, summer and fall. Philippines, being a tropical country, has two official seasons – wet and dry. The wet season usually starts in June as the southwest monsoon or habagat prevails. Rainfall during this season is concentrated over the western sections of the country.

Meanwhile, dry season normally starts in March when warm and humid weather is experienced. Though the scorching heat is felt over all the country, PAGASA clarifies that the term “summer” is not applicable to the Philippines. Meteorologically, we only have the wet and dry seasons.

3. ITCZ

The convergence of winds coming from the northern and southern hemispheres results to group of convective clouds known as the ITCZ or Intertropical Convergence Zone. This weather system affects the country depending on the orientation of the sun or the season. Once it becomes active, it can be a breeding ground of weather disturbances or low pressure areas.

Aside from tropical cyclones, ITCZ is one of the weather systems that cause flooding and landslides because it triggers moderate to heavy precipitation over the affected areas.

4. PAR

PAR means Philippine Area of Responsibility, an area in the Northwest Pacific, where PAGASA monitors tropical cyclones that are expected to affect the country. Once a tropical cyclone enters PAR, it is automatically given a local name so Filipinos can easily remember it.

With a measurement of more than 4 million square kilometres, PAR covers the West Philippine Sea, Bashi Channel over the north, part of the Pacific Ocean in the east and Sulu and Celebes Seas in the south.

One must remember that the Philippine Area of Responsibility is different from the country itself. When we say a tropical cyclone is entering the PAR, it doesn’t mean that it will hit the Philippine landmass. It may still change its course or re-curve away from the country.

5. HABAGAT

Filipinos often hear the southwest monsoon or habagat during the rainy season. Characterized by warm and moist air, it speeds up cloud formation, which dumps rains mostly over the western section of the country.

Once a habagat is enhanced by a tropical cyclone entering PAR, it can bring heavy downpour that may cause widespread flooding.
During the passage of “Ondoy” last 2009 and “Maring” in 2013, habagat brought enormous amounts to Luzon, which led to serious flooding.

6. AMIHAN

After habagat comes the northeast monsoon or amihan, a wind system characterized by cold and dry air coming from Mainland China. It normally starts to prevail during mid-October just like this year, when its onset was officially declared by PAGASA on October 16, 2014.

Amihan is responsible for colder mornings and lower temperatures during the “ber” months. It also affects sea conditions and may direct tropical cyclones towards the Philippine landmass with a higher chance of landfall.

7. THUNDERSTORM

PAGASA issues thunderstorm warnings everyday mostly in the afternoon or evening. A thunderstorm is a weather disturbance that produces rains, gusty winds, lightning and thunder.

Thunderstorm formation occurs through water cycle, wherein heat serves as the main component. As the sun heats up the land or a body of water, warm air rises, producing clouds by means of condensation. Once the cloud becomes massive, precipitation follows in the form of rain, drizzle or hail.

Along with gusty winds and moderate to heavy rains, thunder and lightning also occur during a thunderstorm. Lightning is caused by the connection of the positive charges at the top of the cloud and the negative charges formed at the bottom. Due to lightning, thunder is produced by vibration of air particles.

Flooding in low lying areas is expected during thunderstorms.

8. TROPICAL CYCLONE

Tropical cyclone is the general term for a “bagyo,” which starts out from a cloud cluster that develops into a low pressure area (LPA), an area that has an atmospheric pressure lower than its surrounding locations.

A tropical cyclone is classified into three: Tropical Depression, Tropical Storm and Typhoon. Each of these is measured by its maximum wind speeds and not by its amount of rainfall. An average of 19 to 21 tropical cyclones enter PAR each year.

9. LANDFALL

Landfall happens when the surface of a tropical cyclone intersects with a coastline. In this scenario, the landmass or the affected area will experience stormy weather with moderate to heavy rains and gusty winds. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it is possible for a cyclone’s strongest winds to be experienced over land even if landfall does not occur. In some instances, its strongest winds could also remain over the water even if it made its landfall.

Tropical cyclones can have a series of landfalls like what happened to Typhoon Yolanda wherein 6 landfall activities were recorded on the 8th of November 2013.

10. STORM SURGE

Storm surge is the abnormal rise in sea level associated with a tropical storm or typhoon. It is usually measured by deducting the normal high tide from the observed storm tide.

This event is never related to tsunami, which is a sea level rise brought by a strong earthquake. A tsunami is triggered by underwater seismic activities while a storm surge is generated by strong winds from a storm.

Sources: PAGASA-DOST, NOAA, NASA

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Aside from the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that shook Bohol last year, who could not forget Yolanda? Let’s look back on how it affected the country and how Filipinos unite in rising from the disaster.

Not an Ordinary Typhoon

Based on the climatological records of PAGASA, tropical cyclones that enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) during the month of November have higher chance of hitting the landmass; proven to be right when Yolanda traversed the country. Since the typhoon originated from the Pacific Ocean, Yolanda has gained so much strength as it headed towards the Philippines.

Yolanda, with an international name Haiyan, did not fail in taking a spot in the world’s most disastrous typhoons. Packing winds of up to 235 kilometers per hour and gustiness reaching 270 kilometers per hour, it ruined the country particularly the region of Visayas.

Within a day, six landfall activities were recorded by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). On November 8, 2013, Yolanda hit the following areas:

– Guiuan, Eastern Samar
– Tolosa, Leyte
– Daanbantayan, Cebu
– Bantayan Island, Cebu
– Concepcion, IloIlo
– Busuanga, Palawan

The Wrath of Yolanda

Yolanda exited the PAR on November 9, 2013, leaving a horrific view of Leyte and Samar. Aside from the flash floods and landslides, the intense winds of the typhoon triggered storm surges that devoured Leyte especially the city of Tacloban. Some Taclobanons said it was like the entire sea crawled over the land.

At least 6,000 people were reported dead while more than a thousand persons are still missing. More than 3 thousand families were affected on Regions IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, X, XI and CARAGA. The combined power of water and winds smashed almost 1.2 million houses.

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The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has also recorded a total of almost 90 billion pesos cost of damage from Typhoon Yolanda. By virtue of Proclamation No.682, a state of national calamity was declared on November 11, 2013.

PanahonTV Special Report | Bakas ni Yolanda Part 1

Recovery and Rehabilitation

From the Barangay Captains to the officers of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), assessment operations and immediate response were done. It was a tough responsibility as they have experienced the rage of Yolanda themselves. Dead bodies, debris, uprooted trees and displaced electrical posts blanketed the streets after the passage of the powerful typhoon.

Thirst and hunger – these were the primary concerns of the survivors that time. People were begging for food and water. It seemed that Yolanda has left nothing but misery.

But like the pouring rain, many organizations whether local or international, began to offer help and assistance for the affected families. Relief goods and other necessities came and gradually relieved the situation.

December 3 last year, the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (PARR) was assigned to monitor Yolanda Reconstruction and Rehabilitation. The fund amounting to P167 billion pesos was allocated for the four primary rehabilitation areas: infrastructure, social services, resettlement and livelihood.

Recently on October 29, 2014, the comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery plan (CRRP) for the survivors of Yolanda was already approved by President Benigno Aquino III. This means a faster process of restoration through programs, plans and activities for the Yolanda-hit areas.

PanahonTV Special Report | Bakas ni Yolanda Part 2

Tacloban after a Year

Panahon TV team visited Tacloban to see how our Kababayans continue their lives after the massive destruction brought by Yolanda. We have witnessed an improvement compared to its state months after the onslaught of the typhoon.

A year after, many businesses re-operated, mass graves are more organized, trees have grown and the electricity and communication networks were re-connected. The classes resumed inside the temporary classrooms and tents donated by the international NGOs. While education is the key to a man’s success, preparedness is his key for survival. Teachers have begun integrating disaster preparedness in their curriculum.

Bunk houses and transitional shelters were also built for the affected families before they are transferred to the permanent houses. Residents regularly undergo debriefing activities and drills for natural disasters.

Aside from the structural improvement of the city, there’s more interesting in what we have observed – the optimistic attitude of the survivors. The smiles on their faces, the hope in their hearts and the undying faith in God will never be washed out by waves or carried away by strong winds. Tindog, Tacloban!

PanahonTV Special Report | Bakas ni Yolanda Part 3

Amor Larrosa is a Weather Reporter of Panahon.TV, aired daily at 5:00AM on the People’s Television (PTV). She goes by the title of Weather Lover and believes that “Ang taong handa at mahinahon, kayang lagpasan ang hamon ng panahon.” Follow her on Twitter.

Yolanda in the eye of PAGASA: Delubyo

Along Arnaldo blvd, Roxas City, Photo Taken around 3:45 PM Nov. 8, 2013
Along Arnaldo blvd, Roxas City, Photo Taken around 3:45 PM Nov. 8, 2013

Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) greatly devastated Eastern Visayas particularly the provinces of Tacloban, Leyte the Super Typhoon that claimed more than six thousand lives.

In a press conference held at PAGASA, one from the media asked the officials of the weather bureau if they are to describe in one word the typhoon, what would it be. Mr. Robert Sawi, OIC of Weather Division answered “delubyo”.

PAGASA, the official state weather bureau were tasked to monitor and gauge the possible threat of Yolanda.

Chronology of Events

November 01 2013: Typhoon Yolanda was first spotted as Low Pressure Area (LPA) over Caroline Island.

November 02 2013: the LPA has developed into Tropical Depression.

November 04 2013: It has intensified into Tropical Storm and was given an international name “Haiyan”.

November 06 2013: Though outside Philippine Area of Responisibility (PAR), PAGASA has included the typhoon in the 5am weather bulletin having a maximum sustained winds 120-kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150-kph with forecast movement speed of 30-kph westward.

November 07 2013: Press Conference and press briefings are done every six hours. PAGASA also provided hourly update regarding the location and intensity of Typhoon Yolanda.

November 08 2013: An auxiliary bulletin was issued at 2AM to include other areas in Central Visayas and Southern Luzon under Public Storm Warning Signal #4 due to acceleration of Yolanda.

At 4:40 AM, Yolanda has made landfall over Guiuan, Eastern Samar and at 11 PM, Yolanda exits the landmass of Northern Palawan after crossing Central Visayas and Southern Luzon.

November 09 2013: Public Storm Warning Signal #3 and #4 were lowered and final bulletin was issued at 3:30 PM as Typhoon Yolanda exit PAR.

According to the weather bureau, Typhoon Yolanda is the 24th tropical cyclone that entered PAR last year. The cloud bond of the typhoon is expanded up to 600 kilometer in diameter and it has made six landfalls.

SIX_LANDFALL

* Guiuan, Eastern Samar
* Tolosa, Leyte
* Daan, Bantayan Cebu
* Bantayan Island, Cebu
* Concepcion, Iloilo
* Busuanga, Palawan

Basing on the forecast and actual track of Yolanda, PAGASA has nearly made accurate information.

Source: PAGASA
Source: PAGASA

While typhoon Yolanda traverses the landmass of Visayas and Southern Luzon, the PAGASA stations have recorded different wind strength and gustiness.

Source: PAGASA
Source: PAGASA

In terms of rainfall, prior to the land falling Leyte has received 31 to 150 millimeters of rain in 24-hour period on November 7. While Leyte has only received 31 to 60 millimeters of rain in the same period of time during the passage of typhoon across the landmass on November 8. PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez explained, strong winds is one factor why lesser amount of rains were experienced during the passage of Yolanda across the landmass.

Source: PAGASA
Source: PAGASA

Communication is the Key

When typhoon Yolanda was monitored and still outside PAR, a series of meeting was held by PAGASA with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and Local Government Units (LGU’s). Hourly update and forecast position were discussed during the meeting. Storm surges of five to seven meters has been emphasized during the discussion and was expected to over the coastal areas of Surigao, Dinagat, Samar and Leyte, Sorsogon, Masbate and Northern Cebu.

Information from PAGASA was directly forwarded to Office of the President, Office of Civil Defense, PAGASA Regional Centers and National Media until it reaches the general public.

President Benigno Aquino III has formally announced on national television the danger of Yolanda, and even the hazard of storm surges was also mentioned.

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Yolanda became our greatest teacher

Super typhoon Yolanda has been a great challenge to PAGASA. This paved way for a more keen approached in terms of weather forecasting.

Aside from releasing Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS) along with its written impact, PAGASA is now looking into adding information such as the different impacts brought by storm surges.

The weather bureau will now also provide a 5 day forecast track instead of 3 day forecast track to NDRRMC for close monitoring of weather disturbances, and a series of press conference are being held for fast dissemination of information.

JESY BASCO is an Advocate of Responsible Media and a Weather Reporter at Panahon TV, aired daily at 5:00 AM on the People’s Television (PTV).

It came and went like scenes in a post-apocalyptic movie.

Damaged infrastructures. Destroyed homes. Roads and bridges impassable. Barangays inundated with water. No food to eat. No water to drink. No electricity to light the way in search of the missing ones. No medicine to counter the sickness setting in. No way of communicating to call for rescue. It was chaos all around and looting became the answer to the survivors left in its wake.

A year has gone since the world has born witness to the devastation typhoon Haiyan had wrought as it laid untold number of lives in the Philippines. Locally known as bagyong Yolanda, it was the 23rd tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) dating November 6-9, 2013

Government recorded casualties reaching up to more than 6,000 identified dead and a thousand more missing even as a year has passed as Haiyan plowed through the islands in central Visayas, affecting 44 provinces out of the country’s 81.

With record breaking winds, this has been cited as one of the deadliest and most historic cyclones in history, directly hitting Tacloban City with its full intensity, bringing enormous devastation to lands and lives in the country.

TYPHOON VS HURRICANE

Before you get yourself confused, let’s set things straight by defining the terms ‘typhoon’, ‘hurricane’, and ‘cyclone’.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), these words are all the same weather phenomenon, just different names used depending on where they occur:

Weather Phenomenon

This weather disturbance is associated with heavy rains, strong winds, possible flooding and landslides as well as storm surges along coastal areas.

IN WORLD HISTORY

Countless articles online have consistently detailed the destruction Haiyan left, describing it one of the strongest cyclones in world history.

According to Jeff Masters, Director of Meteorology at Weather Underground, Haiyan may be the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall, however, in terms of wind speed, it unofficially ranks as the fourth strongest tropical cyclone recorded.

The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) estimates Haiyan’s maximum sustained winds at 315 kph and gustiness of up to 378 kph – an equivalent of a category 5 hurricane.

Experts say it is very rare for a tropical cyclone to cross over a landmass at its peak intensity. Haiyan did just that, making it the most powerful typhoon to hit land in history.

tYPHOON Haiyan

A storm surge is defined as an abnormal rise of sea water brought about by a severe storm or a typhoon with strong winds. In an archipelagic country like the Philippines, majority of the population live on coastal areas making them prone to storm surges which has the ability engulf low lying communities and bring massive destruction to lands and lives.

Much of the city and nearby settlements are low lying, sitting less than 16 feet above sea level that when Yolanda passes, it generated a storm surge in its wake, washing away barangays and leaving towns in shambles.

Infrastructures near the coast line were leveled by the storm surge. Homes were completely destroyed. Neighborhoods inundated with water. That when Haiyan left, and the surge has passed, it resulted to a grim scene of dead bodies in the water, in the streets forever caught on tape, in photos and in our memories.

A TIMELINE: FROM MICRONESIA TO CHINA

Going down history as one of the most catastrophic typhoons in the world, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) records show Haiyan had a lifetime of 174 hours or roughly 7.250 days.

[insert typhoon Haiyan track from Micronesia to China]

NOV 2 – JTWC begins to monitor a low pressure area (LPA) east of one of the states in Micronesia.

NOV 3 – JMA classifies the low into a tropical depression.

NOV4 – the name ‘Haiyan’ was assigned as it further intensified into tropical storm category.

NOV 5 – Haiyan, achieving typhoon status, forms an eye.

NOV 6 – JTWC estimates Haiyan into super typhoon status or equivalent to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
– It passed over the island of Kayangel in Palau.
– PAGASA gives local name of ‘Yolanda’ as it approaches the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR)

NOV 7 – Yolanda enters PAR, prompting PAGASA to issue public storm warning signal #4 in the country on the path of the typhoon.

NOV 8 – Yolanda makes landfall, battering provinces in central Visayas
(Insert infogfx of landfall points)

NOV 9 – Yolanda exits PAR through the West Philippine Sea heading towards Vietnam and southern China.
– Haiyan gradually weakens as cool air joins the circulation.

NOV 10. – Crossing over the Gulf of Tonkin, Haiyan further weakens due to interaction with Hainan Island and Vietnam.
– Haiyan made landfall in Haiphong as a severe tropical storm.

NOV 11. – Haiyan dissipates as it moved Guangxi province in China.

THE WORLD UNITES

The world has monitored – on TV, on the radio, on the internet – as Haiyan lived its course from Micronesia to China. Though we had been warned of its possible impact, it had not been enough to minimize the damages it might have wrought.

It had been a difficult situation to start the rescue and relief operations towards those in the path of the typhoon especially in the remote communities isolated by debris and circumstances.

Appealing to the international community for assistance, the Philippines receive an influx of foreign assistance and aid coming from different countries, organizations and people of goodwill around the world reaching out to the Filipinos.

TYPHOON HAIYAN: A YEAR AFTER

It came and went like scenes in a post-apocalyptic movie.

Damaged infrastructures. Destroyed homes. Roads and bridges impassable. Barangays inundated with water. No food to eat. No water to drink. No electricity to light the way in search of the missing ones. No medicine to counter the sickness setting in. No way of communicating to call for rescue. Looting became the answer to the survivors left in its wake.

A year has gone since the world has born witness to the devastation typhoon Haiyan had wrought as it laid untold number of lives in the Philippines. Locally known as bagyong Yolanda, it was the 23rd tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) dating November 6-9, 2013

Government record casualties reaching up to more than 6,000 identified dead and a thousand more missing even as a year has passed as Haiyan plowed through the islands in central Visayas, affecting 44 provinces out of the country’s 81.

With record breaking winds, this has been cited as one of the deadliest and most historic cyclones in history, directly hitting Tacloban City with its full intensity, bringing enormous devastation to lands and lives in the country.

TYPHOON VS HURRICANE

Before you get yourself confused, let’s set things straight by defining the terms ‘typhoon’, ‘hurricane’, and ‘cyclone’.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), these words are all the same weather phenomenon, just different names used depending on where they occur:

Weather Phenomenon

This weather disturbance is associated with heavy rains, strong winds, possible flooding and landslides as well as storm surges along coastal areas.

IN WORLD HISTORY

Countless articles online have consistently detailed the destruction Haiyan left, describing it one of the strongest cyclones in world history.

According to Jeff Masters, Director of Meteorology at Weather Underground, Haiyan may be the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall, however, in terms of wind speed, it unofficially ranks as the fourth strongest tropical cyclone recorded.

tYPHOON Haiyan

The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) estimates Haiyan’s maximum sustained winds at 315 kph and gustiness of up to 378 kph – an equivalent of a category 5 hurricane.

Experts say it is very rare for a tropical cyclone to cross over a landmass at its peak intensity. Haiyan did just that, making it the most powerful typhoon to hit land in history.

PAGASA actual vs forecast track image
PAGASA actual vs forecast track image

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has closely monitored the movement of typhoon Yolanda resulting to accurate prediction of its track. Bulletins, advisories, and various updates through SMS, and social media platforms has been implemented by the weather bureau even before it threatened the country.

Regardless of the measures taken by the government to lessen the damage, the Philippines had not been anywhere close to being prepared for what actually Haiyan brought.

A DEADLY STORM SURGE

Yolanda, bringing a deluge of torrential rains, gusty winds and a 7-foot storm surge, left entire towns in ruin, drowning thousands of Filipinos in Tacloban City which caught the full force of the typhoon.

Source: PAGASA
Source: PAGASA

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Yolanda’s Landfall- Island Facts

A storm surge is defined as an abnormal rise of sea water brought about by a severe storm or a typhoon with strong winds. In an archipelagic country like the Philippines, majority of the population live on coastal areas making them prone to storm surges which has the ability engulf low lying communities and bring massive destruction to lands and lives.

Much of the city and nearby settlements are low lying, sitting less than 16 feet above sea level that when Yolanda passes, it generated a storm surge in its wake, washing away barangays and leaving towns in shambles.

Infrastructures near the coast line were leveled by the storm surge. Homes were completely destroyed. Neighborhoods inundated with water. That when Haiyan left, and the surge has passed, it resulted to a grim scene of dead bodies in the water, in the streets forever caught on tape, in photos and in our memories.

A TIMELINE: FROM MICRONESIA TO CHINA

Going down history as one of the most catastrophic typhoons in the world, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) records show Haiyan had a lifetime of 174 hours or roughly 7.250 days.

[insert typhoon Haiyan track from Micronesia to China]

NOV 2 – JTWC begins to monitor a low pressure area (LPA) east of one of the states in Micronesia.

NOV 3 – JMA classifies the low into a tropical depression.

NOV4 – the name ‘Haiyan’ was assigned as it further intensified into tropical storm category.

NOV 5 – Haiyan, achieving typhoon status, forms an eye.

NOV 6 – JTWC estimates Haiyan into super typhoon status or equivalent to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
– It passed over the island of Kayangel in Palau.
– PAGASA gives local name of ‘Yolanda’ as it approaches the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR)

NOV 7 – Yolanda enters PAR, prompting PAGASA to issue public storm warning signal #4 in the country on the path of the typhoon.

NOV 8 – Yolanda makes landfall, battering provinces in central Visayas
(Insert infogfx of landfall points)

NOV 9 – Yolanda exits PAR through the West Philippine Sea heading towards Vietnam and southern China.
– Haiyan gradually weakens as cool air joins the circulation.

NOV 10. – Crossing over the Gulf of Tonkin, Haiyan further weakens due to interaction with Hainan Island and Vietnam.
– Haiyan made landfall in Haiphong as a severe tropical storm.

NOV 11. – Haiyan dissipates as it moved Guangxi province in China.

THE WORLD UNITES

The world has monitored – on TV, on the radio, on the internet – as Haiyan lived its course from Micronesia to China. Though we had been warned of its possible impact, it had not been enough to minimize the damages it might have wrought.

It had been a difficult situation to start the rescue and relief operations towards those in the path of the typhoon especially in the remote communities isolated by debris and circumstances.

Appealing to the international community for assistance, the Philippines receive an influx of foreign assistance and aid coming from different countries, organizations and people of goodwill around the world reaching out to the Filipinos.