This decision was made to allow residents to participate in various commemorative activities and to pay homage to those who perished in the devastating typhoon.
Mayor Alfred Romualdez of Tacloban City issued an executive order suspending classes in all levels and work in government offices. The order highlights the importance of recognizing the lessons learned from the typhoon and honoring the resilience of the people of Tacloban City.
Other municipalities in Leyte that have also declared a suspension of classes and work include Carigara, Palo, and San Isidro. The suspension of work in private offices, companies, and institutions in Tacloban City is left to the discretion of their respective managements.
The suspension of classes and work is a way for the communities to come together and remember the victims of Yolanda, reflect on the lessons learned, and celebrate the resilience of the survivors. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need to continue working towards a more resilient future.
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Typhoon Haiyan, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Yolanda, was one of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded, causing catastrophic destruction in Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines.
It is considered one of the deadliest Philippine typhoons on record, killing at least 6,300 people in the country alone.
Formation and Intensification
Haiyan originated from an area of low pressure east-southeast of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia on November 2, 2013. Favorable environmental conditions led to rapid intensification, and the system developed into a tropical depression the following day. After becoming a tropical storm and being named Haiyan, the system continued to intensify, reaching typhoon intensity by November 5.
By November 6, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) classified Haiyan as a Category 5-equivalent super typhoon on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS). The storm passed over the island of Kay Angel in Palau shortly after attaining this strength.
Landfall and Impact
Haiyan continued to intensify, reaching its peak strength on November 7 with maximum sustained winds of 230 km/h (145 mph) according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The JTWC estimated one-minute sustained winds at 315 km/h (195 mph), making Haiyan the strongest tropical cyclone ever observed based on wind speed at the time, a record later surpassed by Hurricane Patricia in 2015 .
At 20:40 UTC on November 7, the eye of the typhoon made its first landfall in the Philippines at Guiuan, Eastern Samar at peak strength . The storm made five additional landfalls in the country before emerging over the South China Sea. It eventually struck northern Vietnam as a severe tropical storm on November 10.
The typhoon caused catastrophic destruction in the Visayas region of the Philippines, particularly in the islands of Samar and Leyte. The storm surge, caused by the powerful winds, was particularly devastating, inundating coastal areas and causing widespread damage. The storm surge reached heights of up to 5 meters (16 feet) in some areas.
Aftermath and Recovery
The aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda was a major humanitarian crisis. The storm left millions of people homeless and displaced, and caused widespread damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods . The Philippine government, along with international organizations and aid groups, launched a massive relief and recovery effort.
The name Haiyan was retired in 2014 and replaced with Bailu due to the extensive deaths and damages caused by the storm . The name Yolanda was also retired by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and replaced with Yasmin.
Lessons Learned
Typhoon Yolanda highlighted the vulnerability of the Philippines to extreme weather events and the importance of disaster preparedness and risk reduction. The storm also underscored the need for improved communication and coordination among different government agencies and stakeholders in disaster response and recovery efforts.
The Philippines, which is located in the typhoon belt, has implemented a number of measures to improve its disaster preparedness, including strengthening infrastructure, developing early warning systems, and improving community-based preparedness programs. However, the country remains vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Remembering the Resilience: Leyte Pays Tribute to Yolanda Victims
Residents in Leyte gathered on Sunday to pay tribute to the thousands of individuals who lost their lives during the devastating Super Typhoon Yolanda seven years ago. The solemn rites, marked by simplicity and reverence, served as a poignant reminder of the struggles and hardships endured by people during and after the storm.
For 22-year-old Eugie Cinco, the annual commemoration holds a profound significance, symbolizing a tradition of honoring the departed and acknowledging the resilience demonstrated in the face of tragedy. Reflecting on the losses suffered, he expressed gratitude for the gift of life amidst the destruction, emphasizing the importance of never forgetting those who perished and the global solidarity that aided in the rebuilding process.
Despite the ongoing health crisis, the commemoration was conducted with utmost simplicity, featuring a holy mass, a wreath-laying ceremony, and the blessing of the memorial grave at the town's public plaza, where numerous typhoon victims found their final resting place.
In a heartfelt message, Mayor Pelagio Tecson recounted the harrowing experiences of "Yolanda" and emphasized the invaluable lessons garnered from the catastrophic event, lessons that must be passed on to future generations. He emphasized the humility and gratitude instilled by the ordeal, highlighting the resilience and compassion that arose even in the darkest of times.
As a gesture of solidarity and reciprocity, Mayor Tecson announced the local government's decision to provide financial assistance of PHP200,000 to Guinobatan town in Albay, a community severely impacted by Super Typhoon Rolly. This act of giving back symbolizes the spirit of empathy and support that Leyte received during its own time of need.
Mayor Tecson underscored the importance of extending aid to communities in distress, drawing from the empathy and assistance Leyte received during its darkest hours. He expressed confidence in the town's ability to recover swiftly from the current challenges, drawing parallels to the resilience demonstrated during the aftermath of "Yolanda."
Super Typhoon Yolanda, known as Haiyan, struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Tacloban City, the ground zero of the typhoon, bore the brunt of its fury, resulting in the loss of over 6,000 lives, displacing more than 14 million individuals across 44 provinces, and leaving 1,800 missing.
As Leyte commemorates the solemn anniversary of Yolanda, the community stands together in remembrance, resilience, and the enduring spirit of solidarity that transcends even the darkest of times.