Many Asian countries are highly susceptible to climate hazards, resulting in food insecurity. The magnitude of the devastation of typhoon Haiyan should serve as a clarion call for regional action to improve food security in the region.

TYPHOON HAIYAN which swept across the central Philippines in November 2013 left in its wake widespread devastation. The number of lives lost exceeded 5,000. The gargantuan damage caused to property and the agriculture sector has made a significant dent to the economy of the region and serve as an ominous reminder of how the country in general remains vulnerable to natural disasters.

The affected areas encountered multiple problems in the aftermath of the typhoon chief of which was the lack of access to food and water. Distribution of food, water and medicine was hampered by an incapacitated local government and damaged infrastructure particularly roads and communications. Surviving victims were left to scour for food and basic necessities from the massive heaps of rubble that were their homes. As the country began to recover, discussions have been rekindled on long-term solutions and disaster responses.

… Jurise Athena Oliveros is a Research Assistant in the Office of Graduate Studies & Professional Learning, National Institute of Education. Paul S. Teng is Professor and Dean of Graduate Studies and Professional Learning, NIE, and Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Centre for Non-Traditional Security (NTS) Studies, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU).