Topic Summaries

Case study – tropical storms

IGCSE > Geography > Pearson IGCSE > IGCSE Geography Topic Summaries > Responding to tropical storms > Case study – tropical storms
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Weather hazards and atmospheric circulation

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Glacial landform processes

Energy supply

Tyhpoon Haiyan (2013)
Key details
  • Date: 2 November 2013
  • Origin: Western Pacific Ocean
  • Moved over the Philippines at 313 km/hr
Primary effects
  • Deaths: 6,300 lives were lost.
  • Food shortages: rice crops and coconut plantations were destroyed, leading to a lack of food.
  • Homes destroyed: 1.4 million homes and properties were damaged, leaving many people homeless
Secondary effects
  • Landslides and blocked roads: heavy rainfall caused landslides, blocking roads, and delaying aid.
  • Homelessness and job loss: millions of people lost their homes and jobs, adding pressure on household incomes.
  • Illnesses from dirty water: The lack of clean water led to the spread of diseases such as cholera.
  • Widespread societal impact: 14 million people were affected by the typhoon, including those who lost loved ones, homes, or livelihoods.
Immediate responses
  • International aid: shelter kits were delivered to the Philippines by the UK and Canada. The USA and Japan sent water and essential household items.
  • Evacuation centres: approximately 1,200 evacuation centres were set up or displaced people.
  • Field hospitals: built to treat the injured.
  • Temporary shelters: temporary shelters were provided for people who were displaced or homeless.
Long-term responses
  • Cyclone shelters: cyclone shelters were constructed to protect people from future storms.
  • Restoration of livelihoods: rice farming and fishing industries were swiftly restored to support the economy and jobs.
  • International aid: the UN and other countries donated financial aid, medical support, and resources to help with long-term recovery.

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