Typhoon Bopha Claims Over 280 Lives in the Philippines [UPDATED]

The strongest tropical storm to hit the Philippines in 2012, Typhoon Bopha (also known as Pablo locally) hit the southern island of Mindanao on December 4, destroying homes, taking out power and forcing flights and ferry services to be canceled.

In contrast to Tropical Storm Washi in 2011, Philippines authorities were prepared and the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (NDRRMC) warned citizens to evacuate in advance. Despite the preparedness, a day later the death toll has reached over 280 people and 40,000 have evacuated their homes.

As Bopha made its way to the Philippines, a delegation from the country arrived in Doha for the U.N. Climate Change Conference. Naderev "Yeb" Saño, the Commissioner of the Philippines Climate Change Commission, said that Typhoon Bopha and Hurricane Sandy, which wreaked havoc in the U.S. East Coast at the end of October, "are clear examples that climate change is really happening."

Below is a Storified account of the news coverage and analysis surrounding Typhoon Bopha. We will continue to update this story throughout the day. Check for updates at the bottom.