Philippines: Typhoon Haiyan - One year on

One year on from Typhoon Haiyan, the Met Office has unveiled new scientific capability aimed at preventing future generations from suffering similar devastating effects of tropical storms.

Over six thousand people died as winds reached an estimated 195 mph and a storm surge topped six metres on 8th November 2013. It's estimated the storm caused US$3 billion worth of damage and the relief effort is still ongoing with the rebuilding of homes and livelihoods likely to take years.

The Met Office global weather forecasting model identified the development of Typhoon Haiyan the preceding weekend (3rd/4th November), accurately identifying the likely track of the developing tropical cyclone as it developed into a Typhoon.

Major improvements to the Met Office's forecasting model, which have now been implemented, have resulted in an almost 9% increase in the forecast accuracy of tropical cyclone tracking.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Davies said: "The recent improvements form part of a wider strategy for mitigating the impacts of severe storms. Partnerships between the Met Office and agencies such as Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) are aimed at ensuring effective warnings in areas directly at risk of tropical storms. We hope the work will ultimately lead to better understanding of the impact of tropical cyclones and communications in a way which helps prevent the sad loss of lives we saw with Haiyan."

The Met Office has also been working with the Philippine weather service, PAGASA, to develop a high resolution forecast model which aims to provide more detailed information on the intensity and track of tropical cyclones and when they are likely to make landfall.

It is hoped these developments will enable countries like the Philippines to plan further ahead, allow residents more time to prepare and for mitigation measures to be implemented at an earlier stage.