“Experiencing one of the world's biggest typhoons hitting my home in the Philippines was a very scary experience.”
A Typhoon like no other 🌪
Typhoon Haiyan, also known as Super Typhoon Yolanda, that hit the Philippines was one of the most intense tropical cyclones on record. It devastated portions of Southeast Asia, particularly the Visayan Region of the Philippines, where me and my family are from. The Typhoon struck loud and heavy on November 8, 2013, killing at least 10,000 people in the country alone. Haiyan is also the strongest storm recorded at landfall. One year after the typhoon hit, bodies were still being found. The typhoon Haiyan knocked over Power Barges and causing an oil spill in one island in Iloilo. The Philippines faced a humanitarian crisis days after the typhoon hit with 1.9 million homeless and more than 6,000,000 displaced in just the Visayan Region.
Impact in my hometown in the north of Cebu 🌪
In the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in my hometown, Borbon, the extent of devastation was overwhelming. Homes were either swept away or crumbled, leaving residents without the means to cultivate crops or secure immediate food supplies. Faced with a slow response to aid, my family and I took proactive measures. Initially, we shared our generator to provide crucial electricity to the community and established free internet access. This enabled residents to quickly reassure their loved ones of their safety in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.
How me, my family and my friends helped 🌪
Recognizing the urgency, our next step involved a strategic grocery shopping initiative, acquiring essential food items and household necessities. Utilizing our vehicle, we distributed rice, noodles, drinks, and canned goods to those directly affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Gratefully, we received vital donations from both Russia and Switzerland, proving instrumental as my personal finances suffered a severe blow during those challenging months. With financial strain compelling my return to Switzerland in search of employment, I remained committed to supporting our community.
While these initial relief efforts provided essential assistance, the road to recovery post-Typhoon Haiyan remains long. My dedication to this cause persists as an ongoing project, aiming to uplift and rebuild our community after the profound impact of Typhoon Haiyan.
With ♥,
Mimi / Style Tourista
