Goto main content

Typhoon Haiyan: 10 years on…

Emergency
Philippines

10 years ago, Typhoon Haiyan (known in the Philippines as Yolanda) claimed the lives of some 10,000 people in the country's worst-ever natural disaster.

Kids and disabled teenager in front of a house

Mark Kevin, 17 years old, has cerebral palsy. When typhoon Haiyan hit his village, his neighbours evacuated him to the village hall. | © Brice Blondel / HI

The Philippines is regularly affected by climate-related disasters, whether cyclones or typhoons. Around 20 typhoons or cyclones hit the country every year.

The Philippines is one of the countries most threatened by climate change, due to its exposure, vulnerability and lack of coping mechanisms.

Every time the country is affected by an extreme weather event, the consequences are devastating, with massive damage to infrastructure and property, loss of livelihoods, population displacements, gender-based violence and a breakdown in access to services, healthcare and education.

The government and civil society have recognised the importance of preventing and managing these disasters, but the challenges are still huge.

HI and civil society organisations are working together to provide a multi-sector response to emergencies, including protection, water distribution, sanitation kits and mobility equipment for people with disabilities and older people.

HI’s teams are also running a variety of development projects with the communities focused on anticipating and reducing disaster risks.

"For HI Philippines, it is essential to involve the local communities, and in particular the people most affected – women, older people and people with disabilities. They know their own struggles, needs and strengths better than anyone. We want them not only to get involved, but also to be proactive in defending their rights and well-being. HI Philippines is therefore doing its best to promote the importance of collaboration between local authorities and civil society organisations in building a safe and resilient community", says Melanie Ruiz, HI Philippines Programme Director.

When typhoon Haiyan hit the country, HI Philippines immediately launched an emergency response to come to the aid of the victims:

  • More than 1,500 rehabilitation sessions were run for people injured in the storm and psychological support was provided to some 800 injured or traumatised people;
  • A logistics platform was set up that transported more than 1,600 tonnes of food to people living in remote areas (Tacloban, Palo);
  • 1,300 tents were distributed and, with the help of local carpenters, more than 1,000 durable shelters were constructed in the provinces of Capiz and Leyte.

 

Where your
support
helps

PRESS CONTACT

CANADA

Jahanzeb Hussain

 

Help them
concretely

To go further

Gaza: Israel threatens to ban major aid organizations as starvation deepens
© A. Mohammed / HI
Emergency Rights Supporting the Displaced Populations/Refugees

Gaza: Israel threatens to ban major aid organizations as starvation deepens

Despite claims by Israeli authorities that there is no limit on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, most major international NGOs have been unable to deliver a single truck of lifesaving supplies since 2 March.

HI Canada Launches Rehabilitation and Disability Project in Gaza
© K. Nateel / HI
Emergency Health Inclusion Protect vulnerable populations Rehabilitation Rights

HI Canada Launches Rehabilitation and Disability Project in Gaza

Humanity & Inclusion Canada is proud to announce the launch of a vital new humanitarian project in Gaza City and Khan Younis, aimed at addressing the urgent needs of thousands of Gazans who require rehabilitation services.

Rehabilitation sessions continue in Gaza to prevent permanent disabilities
© Zaid Nateel / HI
Emergency Explosive weapons Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation sessions continue in Gaza to prevent permanent disabilities

Door-to-door rehabilitation sessions continue in Gaza despite the horrible circumstances. Omnia is one of the hundreds of patients HI was able to reach.