Typhoon Haiyan made landfall on Friday 8th November 2013 and is currently making its way through central Philippines. With winds of 195mph (314 km/h), the category 5 storm is believed to be the strongest to ever make landfall in recorded history.
A storm surge of 5m has been recorded on the islands of Leyte and Samar in central Philippines.
3 deaths and 7 injuries have been reported so far.
12 million people are at risk and thousands have been evacuated into shelters around 20 provinces including areas which are prone to landslides and flooding. Victims that have been staying in temporary shelters after the the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Bohol recently have also been evacuated.
Schools and offices have been closed, flights suspended and the military and hospitals put on standby. The typhoon is already causing devastation due to the intense winds. Roofs and trees have been ripped off, power lines cut, phone lines lost and roads have been flooded. The full extent of the impact is currently unknown but is thought to be devastating as the storm makes its way through the country.
According to forecasts, Haiyan will lose its strength on Saturday before moving towards the South China Sea on Sunday. However forecasts also suggest that it can become stronger before reaching Eastern Samar on Friday 8th November.
By Saajeda Bandali
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