hebigat

It was not a storm. It was just rains brought about by the habagat (southwest wind, southwest monsoon) intensified by a typhoon just outside the Philippine area of responsibility. However, it brought with it more rains than Ondoy in span of several days.

Classes and offices at UP Manila were suspended for more than four days. More than 70% of Metro Manila was flooded along with several towns around the surrounding provinces. Many families lost their homes and their livelihood.  Life in the metro slowed down for two weeks.

Now, things are starting to pick up. Relief and rehabilitation efforts from different organizations are now on-going. Filipinos are always willing to help. “The Filipino spirit is waterproof.” “Baha ka lang. Filipino kami”

I admire the Filipino spirit. However, it is still very reactive. I hope we can transfer our passion, our efforts, our spirit from response to prevention.  The Filipino spirit need not prove it’s waterproof-ness in the midst of severe flooding if it can prevent the calamity from occurring in the first place.

Another storm is expected to come by Tuesday next week. Flooding is expected because the dams, rivers and the ground is still recovering from the major soaking from this week’s rains.

Stay safe and dry!

flood behind the post office building (july 30)

ilog taft avebue (aug 6)

santolan lrt, flyover and marikina riverbank (aug 7)

mall on stilts (aug 7)

marikina river (aug 7)

pig evacuees (aug 8)