Typhoon Haiyan: A Decade of Survivor Stories

Abstract

Robert S. Pardillo

This qualitative research delves into the lived experiences of survivors of Typhoon Yolanda, focusing on five overarching themes: environmental factors, preparedness and actions, challenges and adversities, community support, coping mechanisms, and emotional responses and reflections. Employing NVivo with Clark and Braun Thematic analysis, narratives were distilled from participants who met stringent inclusion criteria: (a). directly experienced the impact of Typhoon Yolanda, (b) residing in affected areas during the typhoon or facing its aftermath, (c) must be of legal age at the time typhoon Yolanda struck, (d) to have lived through the entire ten-year period since the typhoon in the same place, (e) must experience loss of property, or become injured or someone from the family become injured or a casualty due to typhoon Yolanda, (f) must express a willingness to share their experiences through in-depth interviews. The study was conducted in coastal areas of Northern Negros, designated as Yolanda Corridors, capturing the essence of survivor accounts within this unique locale. Environmental factors shaped the severity of the disaster, prompting diverse preparedness actions yet yielding unforeseen challenges. Despite adversities, community support emerged as a cornerstone of resilience, fostering solidarity and aid distribution. Coping mechanisms, ranging from faith to familial bonds, were pivotal in navigating the emotional aftermath. The emotional responses and reflections of survivors unveil a spectrum of feelings, illustrating the intricate interplay of trauma and renewal post-disaster. Some survivors decided to rebuild in their hometowns, while others looked for work abroad or in bustling cities; those who ventured overseas sent remittances back home, while those in urban areas sought employment. Meanwhile, many found support through NGOs' activities, with initiatives offering resources and training for sustainable livelihoods; some started modest sari- sari businesses, providing essentials to the community and bolstering the local economy. These findings offer nuanced insights into the human experience of disaster recovery, informing future interventions and policy frameworks.

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