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On November 8, 2013 the strongest cyclone ever recorded hit the Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan (locally named Yolanda) caused massive devastation, leaving over 6 200 people dead and more than four million displaced. In total, the destruction affected 14-16 million people, out of which 6 million were children.
The European Union mobilised a robust and well-coordinated response with financial support of some €180 million. The humanitarian assistance and early recovery interventions provided by the European Commission to survivors amounted to over €40 million. This contribution directly helped around 1.2 million people who received food and other basic necessities such as sleeping materials, basic cooking utensils and water containers. All 28 EU member states provided in-kind and/or financial support in addition to the assistance from the European Commission.
The impact of the Commission humanitarian assistance was significant:
- 20 000 families were provided with shelter, including repair of damaged houses;
- Over 100 000 households benefit from restored water supply;
- 87 health centres were repaired and equipped, and health workers were trained;
- Almost 60 000 children were vaccinated against measles and polio;
- 27 000 children regained schooling thanks to new and rebuilt schools and classrooms;
- Almost 40 000 households received assistance to restart food production and income generation activities in fishing, farming, and agri- and aquaculture.
Haiyan has demonstrated the importance of investing in disaster risk reduction and resilience building. To this end, the European Commission supports disaster preparedness programmes (DIPECHO) in Asia and other areas of the world prone to recurrent catastrophes.
Despite the enormous damage caused by Typhoon Haiyan, the transition from emergency to rehabilitation was quick. This was possible thanks to joint efforts by local, national and international partners. One year after the disaster, the emergency and early recovery phase is over and the rehabilitation phase has started under government leadership.
For related news and stories visit ECHO's website.
