Philippines: Typhoon Haiyan Action Plan

On the morning of 8 November, category 5 Typhoon Haiyan (locally
known as Yolanda) made a direct hit on the Philippines, a densely
populated country of 92 million people, devastating areas in 36 provinces.
Haiyan is possibly the most powerful storm ever recorded. The typhoon
first made landfall at Guiuan, Eastern Samar province, with wind speeds
of 235 km/h and gusts of 275 km/h. Rain fell at rates of up to 30 mm per
hour and massive storm surges up to six metres high hit Leyte and Samar
islands. Many cities and towns experienced widespread destruction, with
as much as 90 per cent of housing destroyed in some areas. Roads are
blocked, and airports and seaports impaired; heavy ships have been
thrown inland. Water supply and power are cut; much of the food stocks
and other goods are destroyed; many health facilities are not functioning
and medical supplies are quickly being exhausted.