Typhoon Haiyan swept through the Philippines leaving a trail of damage and destruction. The typhoon was the strongest typhoon to make landfall in recorded history. It is estimated that more than 10,000 people are dead or missing, and millions more remain homeless.

Typhoons are named after number based conventions and a list based convention in Japan. Number-based conventions are based on the sequential number from the beginning of a typhoon. List-based conventions are based on the list of typhoon names defined in advance by the committee of meteorological organizations worldwide. A new name is automatically chosen from the list upon the genesis of a typhoon.

As the Philippines count the human cost from the devastating typhoon, analysts are adding up the financial burden the country will suffer. The dollar figure could be less than the damage in Japan two years ago from the tsunami. However, the Philippines government cannot estimate the final number because communications are spotty throughout the island. Our modern telecommunications technology is fantastic, but it is no match for Mother Nature and her natural disasters.

There is a big difference between the way we predict an earthquake or a typhoon. The earthquake and tsunami that wiped out Eastern Japan on March 11, 2011, came without much of a warning. I believe that the meteorological agencies from Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines have enough capabilities to forecast the routes and strengths of typhoons several days before arrival.

The area from the Philippines to Okinawa is called the Main Street of Typhoons because of the frequency of typhoons. The Philippines is regularly in the firing line for powerful typhoons. More than 10 typhoons visit the area every year.

The Philippine government released warnings about the typhoon a few days prior to its arrival; unfortunately, there were not enough shelters and many lives were lost.

Donations are pouring in for aid in the relief segment of this disaster; however, preparation is invaluable to help save lives. I hope this tragedy places emphasis on utilizing our high tech capabilities to provide long term predictions for impending natural disasters.

Dominique K. Numakura, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
DKN Research, www.dknresearchllc.com

DKN Research Newsletter #1330, Nov. 17, 2013 (English Edition)

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Headlines of the Week (Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.)

1. AIST co-developed an interposer with high density embedded components (0.1mm spaces) for mobile devices.

2. NEDO co-developed a high-resolution ink jet printing technology with nano-copper ink. It can generate 3 micron lines.

3. Toray developed a new PPS resin reinforced by carbon fiber. It can be formed by injection process with an equivalent mechanical strength as die-casted aluminum.

4. JEITA reported August production of electronics materials in Japan was 11.86 billion yen, a 29% decline from the same month of the previous year.

5. NICT developed a new low noise photon detector with 80% efficiency using super conductive nanowire. It does not need cooling by liquid nitrogen.

6. Sony unveiled the world thinnest and lightest letter size digital paper “DPT-S1” with Wi-Fi capability. Thickness: 6.8mm, Weight: 358 grams.

7. Sharp commercialized a new multi-energy monitor “JH-RW6”. It can control solar generator, secondary battery and heat pump together.

8. Toppan Printing started volume production of the new copper wired touch panel module for PC monitors and tablet PC. It is available from 10” to 27”.

9. TSMC approved capital appropriations of approximately $829.2 million for the purpose of installing, expanding and upgrading advanced technology capacity.

10. Olympus commercialized a new compact video scope “IPLEX Series” with a higher resolution and brightness for narrow and deep objects in industrial uses.

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