Satellite image of Typhoon Haiyan approaching the Philippines. Image courtesy of NASA Goddard MODIS Rapid Response Team
Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms ever, is battering the central Philippines with sustained winds of 195km/h.
The Philippines lie in the world’s most active typhoon belt, with huge storms roaring into the islands most years. Typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Yolanda, even dwarfs most of these storms, however, with its power similar to that of a category five hurricane.
Millions of people have been forced to seek shelter across 20 provinces including the country’s second city, Cebu, with three deaths reported so far.
Communication links with some islands including Samas and Bohol have been lost, with litle information coming out about how well they are weathering the heavy rains and winds.
The storm comes at a time when the country is still struggling to recover after a powerful earthquake struck the islands last month.
