Philippines: 5 years after Typhoon Haiyan

More than 8,000 people were killed when Super Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines on 8 November 2013. Affecting some 15 million people, the storm displaced more than 4 million Filipinos from their homes. Present in the Philippines since 1985, HI immediately launched an emergency response to assist victims of the disaster.

Rehabilitation and psychological support

HI organised more than 1,500 rehabilitation sessions for people injured in the storm and provided psychological support to more than 800 injured or traumatised individuals.

Logistics platform

The organisation also set up a logistics platform to transport more than 1,600 tonnes of food to people living in remote areas (Tacloban, Palo).

Durable shelters

HI distributed more than 1,300 tents and helped rebuild more than 1000 durable shelters with help from local carpenters in the provinces of Capiz and Leyte.

Financial support ('cash for work') and small businesses

In addition, HI engaged 900 vulnerable people in southern Tacloban (Leyte province) to clear debris from public buildings (schools, etc.) and gave them financial support in return. The project helped them better integrate their community and benefit from a small income. HI also helped 800 households set up a small business, such as a small grocery store, restaurant, pig farm, etc.

Safe spaces for children

In the eastern and western Visayas regions, the organisation provided support to 50 child friendly spaces where disabled children can learn and play in a safe space.

Protection from the risks of natural disasters

HI distributed protection kits (solar lamps, rechargeable radios, etc.) and trained students and teachers from five schools  to protect themselves in the event of a natural disaster.
HI continues to provide support to victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the province of Capiz, by enabling them to benefit from vocational training and to restore their livelihoods (small restaurants, livestock breeding, etc.). HI helps also the most vulnerable people protect themselves from the risk of natural disasters by providing them with information and help to prepare for these events.

HI regularly intervenes in the wake of natural disasters. The organisation launched another emergency response in aid of victims of Typhoon Mangkhut, which struck the northern Philippines in September 2018. Its teams hired more than 1,500 unskilled workers to conduct clearing work. They were also offered financial support.
HI runs other projects in the Philippines, including on cardiovascular disease prevention, diabetes care, and inclusive employment for young people with disabilities.