The disaster in the Philippines has caused untold devastation, though relief operations are underway. Future protection methods are already being discussed, writes Gwynn Guilford:

• Most of the 3,900 people tragically killed by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines earlier this month lost their lives to 20 foot tidal surges.
• Some areas had suffered from illegal logging prior to the typhoon, and some hadn’t. The areas that had trees remaining fared better than those where trees had been removed.
• Some 70-90% of a wave’s impact can be removed by tree buffers.
• The Philippines environment secretary is now pushing measures to replant 380 km of unprotected beach length.

The article contains a video demonstration of how trees can diminish the impact of water. See more over here

Source: Quartz