'Biggest storm in history' Typhoon Haiyan strikes Philippines

Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms to hit land in world history strikes Philippines with 200mph winds.

17:05 08 November 2013

Typhoon Haiyan, which is considered one of the most powerful storms ever recorded, has lashed the Philippines with sustained winds of around 200mph; leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

According to reports and satellite images, and backed up by meteorologists, the super-typhoon could be the most powerful storm ever to make landfall. It is much stronger than Hurricane Katrina which killed about 1,800 people and caused billions of dollars worth of damage.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that at least four people have been confirmed dead because of the Typhoon Haiyan.

The super typhoon made a landfall 405 miles south east of Manila. It roared into the southern tip of Samar Island before battering Leyte Island. Reports said that telephone lines and electricity were down throughout the landfall sites.

Felipe Ramiro, acting country director of Oxfam in the Philippines said: “Initial reports from the ground indicate that the provinces of Samar and Leyte in the Visayas region are the hardest hit. Electricity in these areas has been cut off and communication has been difficult. Flights to these provinces and other areas have also been cancelled.”