Media CenterStunning Before and After Typhoon Haiyan Photos Show Recovery Progress Made

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Kim Pozniak
Catholic Relief Services
410-951-7281
[email protected]

Spirit of Filipino People Overcomes Devastation Caused by Typhoon Haiyan
November 8 Marks 1-Year Anniversary of Super Typhoon

BALTIMORE, MD, November 4, 2014-- In the early morning of November 8, 2013 the strongest typhoon to ever hit the Philippines, and one of the strongest ever recorded, struck land.  Named Haiyan, the super typhoon claimed 6,201 lives and damaged or destroyed 1.1 million homes across the islands of Samar and Leyte.

Today, the roads of Samar and Leyte are clear of debris and the local economy is up and running again to provide the most basic needs like food and water. Reconstruction is now in full swing and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is playing a leading role. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for families, so CRS ensures communities play a key role in defining their particular needs; then CRS provides a menu of options for Shelter, Water and Sanitation and Hygiene, and restoring Livelihoods.

The size of this disaster was devastating, but feelings of hopelessness or despair faded rather quickly in the days and weeks after the storm hit. The progress of rebuilding and recovery efforts is completely attributable to the spirit of the Filipino people, and where the humanitarian community has been most effective is in supporting and channeling those efforts. -- Josh Kyller- Catholic Relief Services Typhoon Response Coordinator

During the first weeks, we saw utter desperation in Leyte and Samar. Super Typhoon Haiyan flattened the Philippines coastline. Devastation defined the landscape. Homes were left splinters and families were out in the cold.  Families who could were leaving their homes and moving out of the typhoon affected areas.  This has reversed.  Today, the streets and neighborhoods are cleared of debris and families have started to rebuild.  There are still tens of thousands of families in need of immediate housing assistance to rebuild.  Many can rebuild if their home was in a safe area.  Others need to find an alternate place to live away from the coastal areas that are prone to typhoons and floods.  CRS is helping 20,000 families rebuild their homes. -- Joe Curry- Catholic Relief Services Country Representative, Philippines

In the emergency phase, CRS helped 60,000 households (some 300,000 people, estimated at 5 people per household). Overall, CRS plans to help 100,000 households (500,000 people) recover from Haiyan.

Note to editors: for additional photos and interview opportunities contact: [email protected]

###

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency alleviates suffering and provides assistance to people in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding. For more information, please visit crs.org or crsespanol.org and follow CRS on social media: Facebook, @CatholicRelief, @CRSnews, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.