In the aftermath of the deadly Typhoon Haiyan that wreaked havoc on the central Philippines last November, streets that once pulsed with life stood desolate, covered with debris and dust of broken homes. Bodies were piled in front of tombstones. Schools were shattered. And more than 6,300 people lost their lives, while an estimated 4 million were displaced.
On the first anniversary of the category 5 super typhoon, one of the most powerful storms in history, these photos offer a glimpse at how the devastated streets have transformed in the past year. Lush vegetation now covers barren backyards. Fresh paint glistens on renovated school buildings. Food stalls and buses now line restored roads.
While there is still much more to be done, the photos below show signs of hope.
Top: A homemade casket is seen on the side of the road as curfew approaches on Nov. 14, 2013 in Leyte, Philippines. Bottom: View along the road from the airport one year after Typhoon Haiyan on Nov. 3, 2014 in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines.
Top: People line up for relief handouts outside the Tacloban Stadium on Nov. 15, 2013 in Leyte, Philippines. Bottom: View of the grounds of the Tacloban Astro Dome one year after Typhoon Haiyan on Nov. 3, 2014 in Leyte, Philippines.
Top: A group of boys play with replica guns amongst debris in Tacloban City following the recent super typhoon on Nov. 17, 2013 in Leyte, Philippines. Bottom: View of the main road in Anibong district one year after Typhoon Haiyan on Nov. 3, 2014 in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines.
Top: Residents clear debris away following the recent super typhoon on Nov. 17, 2013 in Leyte, Philippines. Bottom: View of the main road in Anibong district one year after Typhoon Haiyan on Nov. 3, 2014 in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines.
Top: A single tree is seen standing amid the rubble in Tacloban City following the recent super typhoon on Nov. 18, 2013 in Leyte, Philippines. Bottom: View of residential area in Magallanes district one year after Typhoon Haiyan on Nov. 4, 2014 in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines.
Top: A man waits for transport in San Roque, Tolosa District on Nov. 19, 2013 in Leyte, Philippines. Bottom: View of the entrance to San Roque Elementary School one year after Typhoon Haiyan on Nov. 4, 2014 in Tolosa, Leyte, Philippines.
Top: Bodies are seen on a road before being placed in a mass grave on the outskirts of Tacloban City on Nov. 20, 2013 in Leyte, Philippines. Bottom: View of Basper Cemetery one year after Typhoon Haiyan on Nov. 3, 2014 in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines.
