Typhoon Haiyan

Supertyphoon Haiyan is currently moving through the islands of Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean. The storm carries sustained winds of 135 knots (155 mph) with gusts of 165 knots (190 mph). The typhoon will strengthen even further, gaining a peak intensity of 145 knots (165 mph), with gusts to 175 knots (200 mph). At present, the islands of Kayangel and Koror in the Republic of Palau, east of the Philippines,  are likely to be at greatest risk of feeling the effects of the storm. Later this week, the Visayas islands of the Philippines, particularly the Samar and Leyte provinces, will receive a direct strike from the typhoon, which is equivalent to a category V hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Apart from winds, rainfall will also cause serious problems.