Philippines Holds Masses And Unveils Memorials To Mark The Second Anniversary Of Typhoon Haiyan
Typhoon Haiyan, considered one of the strongest storms, hit the Philippines in November 2013. It left thousands of people homeless and left more than 7,000 dead or missing. According to reports, Tacloban - the provincial capital of Leyte - was among the areas greatly devastated by the typhoon.
Two years after the tragic incident, the Philippines held masses and unveiled memorials to remember the victims of typhoon Haiyan. Thousands of people marked the second anniversary of the unfortunate event in Tacloban City and other provinces.
Rappler reported Nov. 1 that the city government of Tacloban was scheduled to unveil two memorial symbols in the city on November 7. One marker would be placed in the coastal village of Anibong and another would be placed near the Tacloban Astrodome.
In addition, 50,000 thousand candles lined up the streets and highway on Sunday. Residents gathered and lighted the candles after a mass was held at the Sto. Niño Church, as noted by Inquirer.net Sunday.
53-year-old Carmelita Labanan was among those who lighted candles for their loved ones killed when typhoon Haiyan hit the city.
"Wherever they are now, I am praying for the eternal repose of their souls," Labanan said, offering the candles to her departed mother and stepfather.
Meanwhile, 47-year-old Roger Loterio said he was lighting candles as a form of thanksgiving after his family endured the ordeal two years ago.
"We lost everything. Our house was totally washed out but what was important was we all survived from Yolanda and this is more than enough to show our gratitude to the Lord and say thank you," Loterio said.
Just recently, authorities revealed that they have found six new bodies in Tacloban City whom they believe died because of the typhoon.
Yahoo! News noted Sunday that a man scavenging for lumbers found the bodies in the suburbs of Tacloban City.
"These are possible victims of the typhoon. They were buried by debris, in piles of wood," Tacloban fire chief Charlie Herson said.
