World Vision Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Response

One year after Typhoon Haiyan — one of the strongest typhoons on record — hit the Philippines, World Vision has exceeded its targets and reached more than 1 million people with humanitarian assistance, including 473,000 children.

Nearly 2,500 new homes for vulnerable families

As part of World Vision’s response, almost 2,500 new homes have been constructed to rehouse the most vulnerable families.

Rosemarie, 37, held back tears when told that she would be among those to benefit from a brand-new house.

“I couldn’t believe what I heard,” she said.

The single mother of two has struggled to survive by washing laundry after her home and small shop were flattened in the storm.

Grandmother Erlinda was similarly overjoyed to step into a new home. “I am excited because I can provide a good place for my grandchildren,” she said.

Comprehensive response to restore livelihoods

In addition to shelter, World Vision’s relief response has included the supply of food, medical supplies, sanitation, hygiene kits, and assistance to restore livelihoods.

Cash-for-work programs have assisted more than 85,000 people, and more than 21,000 have benefited from ongoing livelihoods programs, which include:

• Distribution of livestock
• Skills training
• Provision of business start-up toolkits
• The establishment of community savings groups

At least 59,000 people have benefited from repair and reconstruction of health centers, provision of obstetric and maternal care facilities, and the provision of medical supplies.

Continued recovery efforts and preparing for the next disaster

World Vision response director Andrew Rosauer said that despite great progress, there is still much to be done. World Vision’s rehabilitation efforts are expected to continue for another two years, focusing on survivors who still need better shelter and jobs.

“There are still many challenges ahead as we work with the communities to restore livelihoods and increase resilience to prepare for the next disaster,” Rosauer said.

Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013, killing at least 6,300 people and causing widespread devastation in some of the poorest parts of the country. At times, wind speeds exceeded 190 miles per hour.

More than 4 million people were displaced, and more than 1 million homes were damaged or destroyed.

December 8, 2015

World Vision providing aid in storm-tossed Philippines

The day after Typhoon Hagupit stormed through Tacloban City in the central Philippines, World Vision distributed hygiene kits and water to 2,000 families in three evacuation camps.

The storm first made landfall on nearby Samar Island late on December 6.

Jennifer MacCann, World Vision’s operations director for the typhoon response, says she expects the relief team to address urgent needs of families in shelters over the next few days.

“World Vision will focus on helping the most vulnerable families, who will likely stay in the camps for a week or so while they are fixing their houses again,” she says.

Fatima Luza, 54, a single mother, says she lost her house, which was barely rebuilt after last year’s Typhoon Haiyan, along with the small roadside eatery she had started. “But I am still thankful that we were all safe,” she says.

World Vision expects to help 55,000 people affected by the storm, depending on reports to come from assessment teams.