8/11/2013 - Typhoon slams into Philippines 4.000 Dead People

Packing sustained winds of up to 320 km/h (199mph), Typhoon Haiyan left at least four people dead, but it may be days before the full damage is known. The storm ripped apart buildings and triggered landslides as it ploughed across the country's central islands. Officials said more than 12 million people were at risk, but the storm's rapid passing could limit its impact. We expect the level of destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan to be extensive and devastating, and sadly we fear that many lives will be lost, Meteorologists had earlier warned that the storm could be as devastating as Typhoon Bopha in 2012, which ravaged parts of the southern Philippines and left at least 1,000 people dead. Haiyan - equivalent to a category five hurricane - is now heading towards Vietnam and southern China. The storm made landfall on the Philippines shortly before dawn, bringing gusts that reached 379 km/h (235 mph), waves as high as 15m (45ft) and up to 400mm (15.75 inches) of rain in places. There were reports of buildings being ripped apart, flash floods and landslides. Schools and offices were closed, while ferry services and local flights were suspended. Hospitals and soldiers were on stand-by for rescue and relief operations. Power and communication lines were also cut to some areas. Haiyan raged across Leyte and Samar, turning roads into rivers, and battered Cebu city, the country's second largest with a population of 2.5 million. The eye of the storm - known locally as Yolanda - passed well to the south of the capital Manila, but the city still felt its force.