In the Philippines, 9.5 million people are believed to have been affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful on record. The hurricane has brought widespread destruction to at least 6 of the archipelago's more than 7,000 islands, with Leyte, neighboring Samar Island, and the northern part of Cebu appearing to be the hardest hit. The massive storm knocked out power and communications, destroyed hospitals and health facilities, and disrupted supply chains and basic essential services in many areas.