Back Story

Back to Zero: Curt Petrovich, Typhoon Haiyan, The Philippines 2013

It was two years ago that Typhoon Haiyan killed thousands of people in the Philippines, but it still haunts the CBC’s Curt Petrovich today.

It was the deadliest typhoon the Philippines has ever seen. Thousands of people were killed. Thousands more displaced. Entire villages were destroyed. Typhoon Haiyan tore a path through the Philippines in late 2013 with ferocious winds and tsunami ­like waves. The CBC's Curt Petrovich was there, witnessing the death and devastation first hand.

What he saw would forever change him.

This is Curt's Back Story.

Residents walk past a cargo ship washed ashore four days after super typhoon Haiyan hit Anibong town, Tacloban city, central Philippines November 11, 2013. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco (REUTERS)