"Typhoon Haiyan safe haven helped protect neighborhood's residents in Philippines"
see video news story at 

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-33816_162-57612673/typhoon-haiyan-safe-haven-helped-protect-neighborhoods-residents-in-philippines/

also see
http://fox17online.com/news/stories/west-michigan-natives-become-victims-to-typhoon/#axzz2kpqBp9lB

also see
http://www.goabroad.com/author/elsa-thomasma/interview

also see

2 W. Mich. natives are OK after typhoon

Sturgis natives Carter Brown and Elsa Thomasma

http://www.woodtv.com/news/local/sw-mich/2-w-mich-natives-missing-after-typhoon