After typhoon Sarika or locally known as Karen hit the Philippines a few days ago, another tropical cyclone is now approaching the island of Luzon. This time, this weather disturbance is more powerful and even larger to hit the Philippines. Residents affected by the previous storm in the Northern Luzon area will now bear another weather disturbance that is more destructive than the previous storms. This storm is expected to attract both local and international media attention due to its strength and its path towards the island of Luzon.
Supertyphoon Haima has just reached maximum sustained winds of at least 210 kilometers per hour near the center. The wind gusts are measured to have at least 260 kilometers per hour. The super typhoon is moving fast at 26 kilometers per hour. The direction of the storm is in a west-northwest direction. The current location of the storm is currently 450 kilometers east of Casiguran in Aurora province. The province of Cagayan is where the super typhoon will hit in less than 24 hours from this time. Residents are now cautioned to prepare all necessary means because the storm is very strong that can destroy anything in its path.
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| Super typhoon Haima or Lawin |
Since it is categorized as a super typhoon, this storm is carrying a storm surge of at least more than 10 meters or at least 2-storey building. It can wash away structures, vegetation, and anything in its path, leaving a trail of destruction. The storm is expected to swell the coastal area with an impressive wind gust accompanied by heavy rains to affected areas. This weather disturbance is expected to do more damage than that of typhoon Sarika when it hit the Philippines 5 days ago.
Super Typhoon Haima reminds the Philippines about the last destructive super typhoon that hit the Visayas region in 2013. Super typhoon Haiyan was the strongest weather disturbance that hit on land in meteorological history that cost the country with a whopping amount of $6 billion worth of damage that affected its gross domestic product. Haima could repeat the history if it will reach similar maximum sustained winds before crashing on the landmass of northern Luzon island. The typhoon's well-defined eye is an indicative sign that it has developed dangerously with a very strong wind gusts and heavy downpours of rain along its eyewall.
Imagery satellite of Super typhoon Haima
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| Super typhoon Haima's movement via PAGASA satellite |
7 safety facts to do when a super typhoon such as Haima will approach your land
1. Always refer to news agencies for latest updates: Super typhoon Haima is a serious weather disturbance because of its great strength. This is the reason why news updates are important to know if your area will be affected or not. If it does, preparation should be the first thing in mind as well as search for an evacuation site for you to secure your safety when the storm arrives in your area. News agencies are expected to provide weather updates in relation with the storm's condition every 6 hours until it will exit your country's area of responsibility.
2. Charge your external batteries: Expect that power outage will be experienced in areas that are greatly affected by the strong typhoon. Power banks are just an example of external batteries that are rechargeable. Power lines hanging across the streets will be completely destroyed by this extensive weather disturbance. For those wealthy enough to acquire power generators, this is the perfect time to use it for as long as they will store kerosene to produce electricity that is enough for one household unit.
3. Never pass through flooded areas: Wild animals from the forests or jungles are usually displaced when a very strong weather disturbance threatens their ecological area. There are numerous venomous species of wild animals that could pose another threat to your safety whenever you risk your life venturing to flooded waters. Aside from venomous animals, opportunistic animals such as crocodiles, pythons, and feral animals could mistakenly identify you as a prey. Avoid going to flooded areas such as rivers and plains to prevent encountering these dangerous animals.
4. Stay away from the coastline: Super typhoons storms that can carry a storm surge reaching up to 10 meters high. Storm surge can rapidly flood a town or urban areas, flushing anything that it can reach. Meteorologists compare storm surge to tsunamis due to the great volume of water that rapidly reaches the affected area, which is usually in coastal areas. You should distance yourself for at least more than 10 kilometers from the shoreline because you are dealing with a super typhoon with a well-defined eye that is packed with an extremely destructive force winds.
5. Avoid going to hillsides: Heavy moisture can loosen the foundation of mountain sides, allowing its slopes to slide down that could cause a landslide, mudslides, or rockslides. If you are dealing with a super typhoon, it is better for you to stay away from mountain sides because you don't want yourself to be buried alive in an unexpected scenario. Landslide is another natural hazard when the side of the hill or mountain starts to loosen up and slides down due to the pull of the gravity towards the bottom of the mountain.
6. Save your most important documents: It is important that sealing your documents in water resistant containers prevents it from getting damaged. This includes storing it inside a cling wrap, plastic container, or plastic cabinet. These are your IIdentificationcard, birth certificate, certificate of employment, diploma, land titles, and other important documents that can be potentially damaged by any moisture. Place these documents in an elevated area so that when your home is affected by flooding, your documents is safe.
7. Always ask for help: It is important to alert anyone if you are affected by the onslaught of the typhoon. This is because it will help you get away from the hazard zone. You can call the authorities by just dialing 911 to allow rescue personnel to search your area and then bring you to a safer place. There are both private and private institutions or agencies available to offer rescue missions. These are the Red Cross, Local Government Units, Disaster Management Agencies, and the Philippine Army to provide humanitarian efforts.
Stay safe always to prevent safety risk
