lass="MsoNormal">On 8 November 2013 (PST), Tacloban was hit
by the full force of Typhoon Haiyan (PAGASA name: Yolanda), causing massive
destruction across the city. Dead bodies were scattered on the streets, trees
were uprooted, and a 13 ft (4 m) storm surge largely destroyed Daniel
Z. Romualdez Airport, though it functioned soon after as a makeshift command
and evacuation center. After taking a helicopter flight over the city, US
Marine Brigadier General Paul Kennedy was quoted as saying, "I don't
believe there is a single structure that is not destroyed or severely damaged
in some way – every single building, every single house." Widespread
looting is reported to have taken place and local government virtually
collapsed, as many city officials were victims. President Noynoy Aquino
declared a state of emergency in Tacloban. As of 14 January 2014, the official
death toll stood at 6,201 persons
