Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda - Worlds Worst Recorded Storm

November 8, 2013 marked a life changing day for many Filipino people as Typhoon Yolanda struck the Philippines.  A few stats from the USAID (April 2014):

Death toll: >6300 people

Displaced people: 4.1 million

Houses destroyed/damaged: 1.1 million

5.9 million people lost income sources
571 health facilities affected

Although the stats help show the severity of the devastation, it doesn't compare with the stories of what happened the night/morning of the typhoon - the stories of those working at the hospital and deciding what's best for the patients, the stories of losing family members, friends, coworkers, housing, their economic well being.  The resilience of the Filipino people just amaze me!  I have learned so much from them and their positive response to a horrible situation.  

I had the opportunity of working with Samaritans Purse DART team (Disaster Assistance Response Team) from January 7th to February 7th 2014.  We were based out of Tacloban City, on the island of Leyte one of the hardest hit areas.  It was such a priveledge to work with the Samaritans Purse team, alongside people with so much experience, passion, hard work, dedication, and being an example of Christ.

The baggage claim at the airport which was also severely damaged

Jeepyney's - most common form of public transportation in the Philippines.  

Welcome to Tacloban

Some pictures of the devastation and rubble:

It rained everyday for the first 2 weeks I was there.  Can't imagine living in these conditions with everything being consistently wet.  The Filipino nurses were talking about how their laundry, done by hand, was not drying hanging in their homes, as well as waking up to knee deep water in the house.

Stadium

Ships washed up on shore

Walking along the shoreline with Brianna (Family Dr ) through the rubble we'd see backpacks, socks, pants, different pieces of clothing, the thought crossed my mind of stepping on a body...Tacloban was declared cadavar free beginning of January, so thankfully that didn't happen.  

Storm shelter - many people still living here, and in temporary tarped shelters around the building