Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Response Review

Typhoon Haiyan (known locally as Yolanda) that struck the Philippines on 8 November 2013
was one of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded; it caused massive damage across the
Visayas and killed over six thousand people. Over four million people were displaced and over
one million homes were damaged/destroyed. Livelihoods were severely affected with some
33 million coconut trees damaged and around 30 000 fishing boats damaged and/or
destroyed.

The response of the member agencies of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and the
Humanitarian Coalition (HC) to date has been good. Faced with large logistical challenges
agencies have on the whole been effective and efficient in their response, providing timely
essential assistance such as food, shelter and essential non-food items (NFIs).