* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Super typhoon Haiyan struck Vietnam as a typhoon at about 18:00 GMT on 10 November. Data supplied by the US Navy and Air Force Joint Typhoon Warning Center suggest that the point of landfall was near 20.5 N, 107.3 E. Haiyan brought 1-minute maximum sustained winds to the region of around 120 km/h (74 mph). Wind gusts in the area may have been considerably higher.
According to the Saffir-Simpson damage scale the potential property damage and flooding from a storm of Haiyan's strength (category 1) at landfall includes: Storm surge generally 1.2-1.5 metres (4-5 feet) above normal. No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage. There is also the potential for flooding further inland due to heavy rain.
The information above is provided for guidance only and should not be used to make life or death decisions or decisions relating to property. Anyone in the region who is concerned for their personal safety or property should contact their official national weather agency or warning centre for advice.
This alert is provided by Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) which is sponsored by Crawford&Company and University College London (UCL).
