STORM SURGES FROM TYPHOONS TACLOBAN PHILIPPINES

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Storm Surges from Typhoons in the Philippines
Introduction
A storm surge a coastal flood associated with typhoons. There are different things that effect the severity of the storm surge. These can include the shallowness and the orientation of the body of water to the storm path. There is more science involved but a typhoon with strong winds simply pushes the water to the shore and causes flooding.
Large waves are formed by the strong winds. As these waves break, the water moving towards a beach may exceed twice the wave height before the wave actually breaks.
As these waves break, the water particles moving toward the shore have considerable momentum and may run up a sloping beach to an elevation above the mean water line which may exceed twice the wave height before breaking.
Typhoon Yolanda (International name Haiyan) was one of the largest storms to make land fall in history. The storm surge in the Tacloban area was huge. The size of the storm surge was not anticipated which reached heights of 6 meters or in imperial 20 feet. Thousands died and many were just washed away in the raging water and debris.
Many perished in shelters that one would think were safe. Driving from the Dulag area to Tacloban my family explains where the water levels reached in the Tolosa,Tanauin and Palo. It is hard to believe the water came so far inland from the sea. On this journey you pass a number of mass grave Memorial Sites. The feeling is one of tragedy and sadness.
It appears no matter how you prepare for your safety, the fury and power of Mother Nature can be underestimated. Driving between Dulag and Tacloban you will come across signs near storm surge danger areas.
 
A PICTURE CAN SAY A THOUSAND WORDS 
Storm Surge in the Dulag Area during Typhoon Yolanda
The storm surge in the Dulag area did not appear to be as severe as in other areas. I took photo graphs of a place in Luan a barangay a few km away from Dulag town proper five days after Typhoon Yolanda. The people who own this small beach resort evacuated inland which saved their lives.
I estimate the normal slope of the beach to be approximately two meters. I ask the owners how deep the water was once the wave reached flat land. They estimated approximately another two meters. The water from the storm surge progressed a few hundred meters inland.

 PICTURE TAKEN 5 DAYS AFTER TYPHOON YOLANDA


 PICTURE OF THE SAME BEACH SIDE RESORT AUGUST 2017
 Conclusion
Tacloban and surrounding areas face the Pacific Ocean where many typhoons develop. This is also part of life in many parts of the Philippines. Nature and scenery in this part of the world is so beautiful.
All people must be on alert when typhoon warnings are given and take the necessary precautions to protect life. Also important is to respect Mother Nature and the potential power that can be released.  
If you wish you can follow me on Twitter and Goggle Plus. If you have any questions about Tacloban and surrounding areas please do not hesitate to contact me.
References

Have a Great Day
Robbie in Tacloban

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