ReliefWeb

On November 8, 2013, Super Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines, killing more than 8,000 people and displacing more than four million from their homes. Present in the Philippines since 1985, HI immediately launched an emergency response to assist victims of the disaster which affected more than 15 million Filipinos.

Rehabilitation and psychological support

HI’s teams organized more than 1,500 rehabilitation sessions for people injured in the storm and provided psychological support to more than 800 injured or traumatized individuals.

Logistics platform

We also set up a logistics platform to transport more than 1,600 tons of food to people living in remote areas such as Tacloban and Palo.

Durable shelters

HI distributed more than 1,300 tents and helped rebuild more than 1,000 durable shelters with support from local carpenters in the provinces of Capiz and Leyte.

Financial support

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 better integrate these individuals in their communities and benefit financially. 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, our teams provided support to 50 child-friendly safe spaces where children with disabilities can learn and play.

Protection from the risks of natural disasters

HI distributed protection kits (solar lamps, rechargeable radios, etc.) and trained students and teachers from five schools[1] to protect themselves in the event of a natural disaster.

Today, 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 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. We 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. Learn more about our work in the Philippines.

[1]In areas affected by Haiyan.