Philippines Typhoon: Six-month emergency update
A six-month update on Oxfam's emergency response to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
On Nov. 8, 2013, Typhoon Haiyan (or Yolanda as it’s known locally) wreaked is working havoc on much of the central Philippines. Terrifying winds combined with a huge storm surge tore through coastal communities. The storm killed more than 8,000 people, and forced four million others from their homes.
The disaster delivered a double blow to the people of the Philippines. In the short term, it left more than 14.1 million people in need of immediate, lifesaving assistance. But it also pushed millions of poor people further into poverty and debt. Rice crops, coconut trees, and fishing boats were wiped out, leaving people struggling to grow food and earn an income.
In response, Oxfam has now reached more than 730,000 people. While we initially focused on the emergency needs of survivors, we also have been helping people recover their means of making a living. The storm destroyed harvests and severely damaged the fishing industry, ruining the boats and nets of thousands of people. Six months after the disaster, we are focusing on ensuring that recovery efforts meet people’s needs, now and in the future. Our response includes finding alternative ways for families to earn an income and influencing government policy on rebuilding and resettlement projects.