The evolving picture of displacement in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan: An evidence-based overview

Some 4 million people were displaced when Typhoon Haiyan hit the central Philippines on November 8th 2013. In spite of the wealth of information generated, it has been difficult to form a coherent understanding of the evolving and complex displacement situation, which is critical to guide policy and prioritize responses on the ground.

Six months on, while most displaced people have remained in their original homes areas or returned to them, more than 2 million people are still without adequate housing. This includes over 26,000 displaced people in temporary shelter sites. Many thousands more are unclear on whether they will be permitted to return to live in unsafe locations.

This report shows how gaps in the information - and in the way that information is created and shared - leaves some of the most vulnerable people invisible and potentially excluded from sustainable return or relocation and resettlement options. With the next typhoon season just around the corner, the importance of recognizing their particular needs becomes all the more urgent.