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Impacts of Typhoon Haiyan on the Philippines
Haiyan was one of the strongest typhoons experienced in history. It had the strongest winds. The typhoon became so strong because it formed in the open oceans, with no landforms. The presence of land mass could have prevented the typhoon from developing into a symmetrical circular pattern. The circular pattern is essential in enabling the typhoon to develop and go faster. Another factor that contributed to strengthening the typhoon was the fact that the ocean temperatures were exceptionally warm at the time. The recorded temperature was 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The presence of cold water in the oceans deep could have dampened and slowed down the typhoon (Main). However, this was not the case because the deeper parts of the ocean were also warm. Another factor that strengthened the typhoon was the lack of wind shear. This could have helped to divide the hurricanes (Main). The strong typhoon caused massive damage to the areas affected in the Philippines. It led to the loss of lives and destruction of property
Estimates indicate that the typhoon caused the death of more than 6000 people. More than 4.1million people were displaced and more than one million homes were destroyed (Wyatt). It caused massive suffering. Parents lost their children and many children were orphaned. Many people lost their livelihoods because their businesses were destroyed. In addition, many farms were destroyed by the floods and this reduced the food supply in the affected regions. The typhoon destroyed the infrastructure in the region. In addition, water and health services were unavailable. There were several health concerns following the typhoon.
Many people were already living in poverty and health services were not available everywhere before the typhoon. The lack of shelter, safe water, and food aggravated the situation. Water borne illnesses emerged and some people suffered from malnutrition. Others had been injured during the storm. The survivors lived in overcrowded spaces and this increased the spread of respiratory infections. Measles became a real threat because some of the people had not been vaccinated. Vector borne diseases such as chikungunya fever and dengue fever emerged. In addition, malaria became endemic in the affected regions. Many people had lost their loved ones and this affected their mental health. Some of the people developed posttraumatic stress disorders (WHO 4).
Many countries, international aid organizations, institutions, agencies, private organizations, and individuals helped the country. They gave cash, medical equipment, food, water, clothing,, and other essentials. They helped displaced people to build homes. They provided medical services and they ensured that all the people received the help they needed. Some of the displaced people were relocated to other new areas where they got the opportunity to begin again. Others rebuild their homes and houses in the same regions. However, some people have remained in temporary shelters to this day. In addition, more than 1000 people have never been found, and they are believed to have died in sea.
The typhoon had a
devastating effect on the country’s economy. However, the economic effects are
projected to stay for a shorter time than was projected previously. Moreover,
the economy has already started growing, although in a slower pace. Many
factors are attributable to the improved economy, including stability on the
political scene. Foreigners have increased their direct investment and this has
helped to grow the economy. The country continues to receive financial aid from
different sources including the Philippines
working abroad. The government has embarked on reconstruction efforts aided by
several aid agencies (Wyatt). The people remain optimistic that the country
will improve despite the devastating effects of the typhoon.
Works Cited:
Main, Douglas. “How Typhoon Haiyan Became Year’s Most Intense Storm.” Live Science. 7 Nov. 2013. Web. 31 July 2015
WHO. “Public Health Risk Assessment and Interventions: Typhoon Haiyan Philippines.” World Health Organization. 16 Dec. 2013. Web. 31 July 2015
Wyatt, Joss. “Philippine Economy Shows Resilience after Typhoon Haiyan.” World Finance. 26 Feb. 2014. Web. 31 July 2015