Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 12/2013

Typhoon Haiyan: The response so far and vital lessons for recovery

Shaheen Chughtai

December 2013

Oxfam Publishing

Abstract

When Typhoon Haiyan made landfall it killed thousands of people and made millions more homeless. It also struck an already poor region, pushing families deeper into poverty and making them even more vulnerable to the next such disaster. Governments and individuals have responded generously. Despite serious challenges, the aid response is expanding – though crucial gaps still need to be urgently addressed. But as the long road to recovery begins, the Philippines authorities and the world must also increase efforts to tackle long term poverty and reduce the growing risk of disasters that the Philippines and other countries face.