People 

can be killed, injured, or lost during typhoons. Flooding can cause people to

drown, houses to be completely destroyed, property to be swept away, and farms to lose all of their
crops to the winds and relentless rains.

Typhoon refers to a tropical cyclonic storm that originates in the western Pacific Ocean; in the
Atlantic, the same kinds of storms (tropical cyclones) are called hurricanes. Large masses of clouds
that spiral around a central point, or eye, characterize typhoons. Infamous for their destructive
powers, typhoons can generate winds of more than 75 miles per hour and cause major flooding
through their intense rainfall and storm surges. Their effects range from structural damage to trees,
watercraft, and buildings to both immediate and long-term impacts on human life and livelihood.

Buildings and Other Infrastructure

Wind and water account for the two most destructive forces associated with typhoons. Typhoons
affect buildings and other structures in two ways: through direct force and through projectiles. Direct
force occurs when a wind gust slams directly into a building or structure and causes physical
damage, such as when wind blows the roof off a home. Wind also inflicts damage by picking up and
launching tree branches, building materials, and other debris into structures. The heavy and
persistent rainfall and coastal storm surges that typhoons bring can also have devastating effects.
In addition to making homes uninhabitable, the flooding associated with typhoons can cripple
rescue and aid efforts by making roads impassable.

Trees and Other Vegetation

The impacts of typhoons extend to the natural environment, of course. The storms may damage or
destroy trees and other vegetation, including crops that communities may rely on for sustenance or
trade, or both. Strong winds can snap branches; detach and injure leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds;
and uproot trees and plants. Flooding can over-saturate soils, drown vegetation or kill plantlife via
salt spray or the saltwater intrusion produced by storm surges. (It’s important to note that native
ecosystems in typhoon-prone areas have adapted with these disturbances, which may be important
influences on plant succession, and that typhoon winds and floodwaters may in some cases also
help disperse tree seeds and seedlings.)