.. About 12 airports were closed ..

.. About 12 airports were closed ..

Molten Metal
By Molten Metal

.. About 12 airports were closed ..

Super-typhoon Haiyan - thought to be the strongest recorded storm ever to hit land - barrelled through the Philippines yesterday with winds up to 315 kilometres an hour and waves as high as 5m.

The category 5 storm, which made landfall at dawn yesterday on Samar island in the central Philippines, blew westward in a devastating streak across a number of islands, including Leyte, Cebu, Bohol and Negros, where it brought down power lines, knocked out communications, caused landslides and left streets flooded.

Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated and thousands more fled their homes as Haiyan tore apart buildings and left whole provinces without power or communications. Experts predicted “catastrophic damage” as a result of the super-typhoon, whose speeds at landfall of 315km an hour and gusts of up to 380km an hour were faster than the previous strongest tropical cyclone, Hurricane Camille, which was recorded in the US at 305km an hour in 1969.

Official reports indicated that three people had been killed after being struck by power lines, another by lightning and possibly one more by a falling tree.

But the final toll is expected to climb much higher as so many affected areas were cut off, said Mathias Eick, of the European Commission’s humanitarian aid department (Echo) in Manila.

“In our previous experience with similar storms, because the Philippines are comprised of many islands and many isolated communities, often the statistics show a very low human toll (at first) but then within 24 or 48 hours the numbers just take off,” he added.

“We’re talking about a storm where two-thirds of the whole area of the Philippines was directly affected - not entirely by the eye of the storm but by a very large area - and with many isolated communities on smaller islands or living in mountainous areas, it takes some time for the authorities, Red Cross and volunteers to collate the information.”

About 12 airports were closed - including those in the tourist islands of Palawan and Boracay - and schools and offices shut, with roughly 1mn people in shelters scattered around 29 provinces.

By BOXBE16DOBARA• 10 Nov 2013 17:27
BOXBE16DOBARA

VERY Good...10million is big amount...salute to this great man

By Janneeyy03• 10 Nov 2013 17:03
Rating: 3/5
Janneeyy03

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/uae-announces-10m-in-support-for-typhoon-hit-philippines-1.1253495#.Un-MH-ZN03M.facebook

Thank you thank you Sheikh Khalifa

By gerarra• 10 Nov 2013 09:22
gerarra

very heart-breaking... and it's more painful when you're far away from your motherland. Even if I am not affected by the typhoon, I can feel the pain of my fellow countrymen, the saddest part is, holiday season is coming and this is the worst gift they would ever receive.

By Janneeyy03• 10 Nov 2013 09:02
Janneeyy03

it's sickening.. i think i am going crazy :(

By britexpat• 10 Nov 2013 09:01
britexpat

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2494635/Philippines-super-typhoon-Haiyan-powerful-storm-history.html

Heart wrenching ..

By BOXBE16DOBARA• 10 Nov 2013 08:59
BOXBE16DOBARA

Innalilah wa inna ilahi rajihoon

By Janneeyy03• 10 Nov 2013 08:57
Janneeyy03

I wasn't able to sleep last night, i'm seeing the storm surge every time i close my eyes.

By gerarra• 10 Nov 2013 08:50
Rating: 3/5
gerarra

can reach up to 10,000 dead. May God bless the Philippines.

By britexpat• 10 Nov 2013 08:43
britexpat

The death toll may run into many thousands - May they rest in peace

By Janneeyy03• 10 Nov 2013 08:26
Janneeyy03

Estimated 1200 are found dead early this morning.

By wirehead• 9 Nov 2013 13:04
Rating: 2/5
wirehead

unfortunately, many of them didn't. there are reports now of around 100 bodies swept to the streets of tacloban city by the storm surge. it wasn't the rain itself, it's the huge waves of water from the sea that the storm brought with it.

the videos of streets turning into rivers are quite scary.

for those who want to help, you may do so by donating to the red cross:

http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow

By britexpat• 9 Nov 2013 11:43
britexpat

May the affected stay safe

By mariaelizabeth• 9 Nov 2013 11:08
mariaelizabeth

My prayers and thoughts to all my Kababayans. And thanks be to God for keeping my family safe during the typhoon.

A very pleasant morning to you all!

By BOXBE16DOBARA• 9 Nov 2013 08:41
BOXBE16DOBARA

Innalilah wa inna ilahi rajihoon

By Janneeyy03• 9 Nov 2013 08:27
Janneeyy03

oh yeah, i just googled it.

By muhammad yasir siddiqui• 9 Nov 2013 08:18
Rating: 2/5
muhammad yasir siddiqui

May Allah Help all those who Got effected...

By redfranks• 9 Nov 2013 08:18
Rating: 3/5
redfranks

Dear, the typhoon came from abroad with the international name "Haiyan" and when it entered PAR, it became Yolanda. Hope this clarifies all.

By Janneeyy03• 9 Nov 2013 08:09
Rating: 4/5
Janneeyy03

No storm/typhoon can ever break the Filipino spirit, we've been there many many times. But yesterday's YOLANDA (not Haiyan fyi) was the strongest as per the record.

By gerarra• 9 Nov 2013 07:04
Rating: 5/5
gerarra

To all my friends, loved ones and fellow countrymen back home, my prayers are with you. Be strong. We, Filipinos, have been here before so many times, we will get back and stand up. Keep your spirit high. God is always with us.

By Molten Metal• 9 Nov 2013 06:04
Molten Metal

My prayers are with those who got affected ..... Sat, 09.11.2013, 06.03 hrs ....

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.