It's been more than a week since one of the most powerful storms ever recorded killed thousands of people in Tacloban while leaving thousands of others stranded and destitute.

The scale of the disaster and challenges of delivering the assistance has made it difficult for rescuers to send aid. But that didn't stop one brave Filipino lady from venturing to the typhoon-ravaged fishing village to search for her family.



Regina Balosca Sculley (seen squatting in the middle of this group shot) conducted her own rescue mission by renting a van before driving 600 miles to the area. Her family lived about 30 miles south of Tacloban, one of the cities hit hardest by the disaster resulting from 170-mph winds and overwhelming surges of water.

Together with seven of her friends and supplies, they set off through red-zone areas that local media had deemed as lawless, which included a prison break and militia attacks on aid convoys.
Choking back tears, Gina said reports of carjackings and looting, combined with the lack of contact with her family, increased her worries. "Hearing this news (was) making the situation worse,” she said.

She described driving through the ruins of Tacloban, down roads lined by dead bodies and children begging for food.
Thankfully, Gina's family members were found alive and living off coconuts. They were also suffering from dehydration and other minor health issues, with no shelter and no communication with the outside world.

After huddling more than 27 people inside the van, they managed to leave behind 45 gallons of water, 110 pounds of rice, a few hundred dollars’ worth of non-perishable food, medicines for the other surviving villagers who were left behind. Be sure to read the rest of the incredible story over at NBC News