While I was really looking forward for my husband’s two weeks vacation, I must admit that the devastation brought about by the recent typhoon Ondoy (international name : Ketsana) to Metro Manila and nearby provinces put a damper on my jolly mood.
It’s tough to see the live feed on TV. Having lived in Manila for more than half of my life ( I went to school there), it was surreal seeing familiar places submerged in flood water. I can’t help but be really sad while looking at the effect of the wrath of typhoon Ondoy. Loss of lives and properties, damage to properties, people dislodged from their homes and now, the struggle for basic commodities is very disheartening. I can’t even imagine how the affected families will start all over again. How will they begin their lives after this devastation?
Immediately after the typhoon, it was a big surprise for me that the international news was not picking up the latest story from Manila. I got my information mostly from my subscription to two Filipino channels. After three days, I then saw few seconds of air time showing clips of knee deep flooding and no clips of the locales where homes were submerged. I had the impression that the international community was not aware of the wide spread damage and devastation that the typhoon caused. Somehow, I think that this is the reason why the United States government sent only a total of $150,000 in aid ( an amount that is relatively small as compared to the aids they extend to other countries).
Relief efforts are being conducted, and it’s such a joy to hear that in the midst of this devastation, Filipinos find it in their hearts to help each other. Donations have been pouring and although the different organizations were and are presently able to attend to the many basic needs of the people affected, it is the aid to help rebuild these people’s lives that is even more critical.
One typhoon out, and another one is coming. This time, they are expecting super typhoon Pepeng (international name: Parma) which is expected to intensify this Saturday and is threatening to smash Northern Luzon.
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Very, very sad and disheartening indeed sis! My loved ones in Pasay got flooded but they’re fine, just knee-high water so they’re better than those who live in Rizal, Marikina, etc. I can’t help to shed tears of sadness every time I watched the news. Little could I do to extend my help, thank God for PayPal! Now with the new typhoon coming up, it will surely be another devastation. Thing is, I think the US gave “not that much” is because the gap that now exists between the US and Philippine government. Just my thought. The Phil. government should learn a lesson. And that their rescue and relief operation should mind every victim. A lot of countries have already extended their help, sana naman, di na ibubulsa ng mga nasa posisyon!
Hi
I am really sorry for the devastation and the people affected. It was on the news here in the UK for quite a big section tonight. Quite a few of the Entrecard and other blogs I visit are in the Philippines and I hope all the blog owners are Ok? I would like to hear more news and offer every sympathy and hope for the victims.
Bye for Now
Jill
Jill (Creative Cafe)´s last blog ..Art Exhibitions: Natural Responses (GB)
Alam mo kami din dito nagulat kung baket yun lang ang binigay ng US sa Pilipinas. Si M mas nagulat actually kasi sabi nya kung sa ibang bansa daw nagbibigay ng malaki baket hindi sa Pilipinas? I guess there’s a reason behind why so…
I read that Pepeng is still lingering while another one is coming. Bagyo season talaga sa atin ngayon.
Tuks´s last blog ..Another Appointment
manang badly hit daw ilocos sa typhoon pepeng. i hope your family back home are all safe.
after Ondoy, Pepeng wreck havoc in the Northern Philippine region, now another typhoon is brewing and threatening the northern region again. all we can do right now is pray that it will change its course, so that it will not affect those provinces battered by the previous typhoon. but just like you, it is heartwarming to know that filipinos are there for each other. the two local channels here were able to raise more than a hundred million in cash and another hundred million in kind. aside from that their concerts left and right by various artists for the benefit of the typhoon victims.
joy´s last blog ..Worried