It has been a year and a half since Typhoon Haiyan devastated central Philippines, affecting the lives of more than 16 million people. Recovery efforts continue in many affected communities – rebuilding destroyed homes and restoring lost livelihoods.
In Samar, an island partly affected by armed conflict and violence, the ICRC and the Philippine Red Cross have helped survivors resume their normal lives, building storm-resilient core shelters for nearly 4,500 families and distributing cash grants to over 71,000 people.
Estelita Coritana and Marissa Ariaso – both from the coastal town of Marabut, in the province of Samar – recall their experiences and share how the assistance they received are helping them pick up the pieces.