The storm crossed the Visayas region for almost a day , causing widespread flooding . In Cebu and Bohol , struck by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake two weeks before , cities were also severely devastated . During the morning of November 8 , media stations across the country were able to broadcast live the destruction of Haiyan . However , before afternoon , all communications on the Visayas region failed . The Presidential Communications Department of President Benigno Aquino III had difficulty contacting DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in Tacloban City to plan relief . Widespread power interruptions , landslides and flash floods were also reported . Major roads were blocked by trees , and impassable . 453 domestic and international airline flights were canceled . Some airports were also closed on November 8 and 9 . Ferries were affected . Relief and rescue efforts were underway by November 9 , but some places remained isolated and out of communication due to severe damage
earthquake
2013 Bohol earthquake
Effects of the 2013 Pacific typhoon season in the Philippines