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Philippines: The Oxfam Pilipinas team visits families living at the coast of Malitbog, Southern Leyte. Photo: Deo Mercader/Oxfam

Typhoon Haiyan

Typhoon Haiyan (also known as Yolanda) was one of the most powerful storms ever recorded, As it made landfall in the Philippines in November 2013, the winds recorded were over 240kph. 

More than 6,300 people lost their lives, and almost 4.1 million people were forced from their homes. Like most disasters, Typhoon Haiyan hit the poorest and most vulnerable people the hardest. 

Oxfam’s response

Oxfam deployed an emergency team within three days of the typhoon making landfall. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, our focus was on preventing the spread of disease by providing clean water, toilets and hygiene essentials. Oxfam assisted 868,960 people in the worst affected areas of Leyte, Cebu and Samar by providing clean water, sanitation, shelter and assistance to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. 

Thanks to the overwhelming response to our Typhoon Haiyan Emergency Appeal, Oxfam’s humanitarian aid response in the Philippines was fully funded to meet the immediate needs of the Typhoon survivors and was able to begin addressing longer term recovery and reconstruction.