ONDOY’S TIMELINE-

Recalling to my own memory, it was the same flashback scene from a catastrophic movie I had watched before…

September 25, 2009 ( Friday)

The rain started to pour lightly until there was a heavy downpour in the evening. The rain didn’t stop till next day morning. Most were busy attending to their usual routines—- pieces of work to be done,meetings, office works, classes,etc. The rain continued to pour intensely. There was an announcement made- Signal number 1 and it wasn’t good enough, leaving everyone to be unprepared. There was no idea that this pouring rain would devastate big part of the country.

September 26, 2009 (Saturday)

Ondoy, (international code name Ketsana) , the 15th tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility, slammed into the eastern side of Luzon Island from the Pacific Ocean before noon Saturday with maximum winds of 85 kph near the center and gusty winds  up to 100 kph.
Rain continued pouring with an average of 2.24 inches of rain/hour, swamping us with a month’s worth of rain in a span of six hours. Water kept on rising and was unstoppable. Now the tropical storm gained more strength and some provinces placed under Signal number 1 became now under Signal number 2.Government officials gave prior reminders and warnings especially to those living in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes. But, how about those who were not at home? Still, there’s something lacking. Proper and constant monitoring, announcements for public safety…shortcomings of whom…? negligence and failures  on the part of…? Same, same old story. It’s too late-

There’s no way out but to spill the water from the dams, which probably the cause of the havoc. Most families were trapped inside their houses. Those living in bungalows and even those with 2nd and 3rd floor asked for rescuers to save them. Some stayed and settled on the roofs but unfortunately were carried away by the big current. Most employees and students were stranded. Others went home and took the risk. Good for those who were able to reach their destinations but some were drowned not even had the chance to bid their love ones goodbye.

Many questions were brooding in one’s mind- What, When, Where, Who, Why, If and How?
Dimensions of questioning for a short story. What will happen after this? Where will we stay? When will it stop? Who were to be blame? Why did it happen? How could we move on? If this would happen again…?

Aftermath-

There was a declaration of work and class suspension for the affected areas.Business establishments, agriculture had great losses and damages. Many people especially those living in flooded areas and near the rivers lost their houses and belongings. Sad to say, Ondoy’s wrath killed more than 200 people.

Many were touched, went out of their way to render services and help to the victims, both public and private sectors, networks ,churches including Our Lady of Light Parish ( almost 95% of Cainta was seriously affected). Even our “kababayans” abroad and other races were so generous in giving their help.In times like this, generosity among Filipinos was manifested.

Its too bad that some of those in queue were not sincere, claiming relief goods not only once, thrice or even more. Were they really the victims or..? Others even sold what they got. Some were protesting, complaining in a loud way.With these attitudes, people showed that they were not learning any lesson.

Climate change, first and foremost was the cause of the extreme rainfall. This was according to Nathaniel Cruz, weather services bureau head of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA). Other factors that worsen the effects were poor drainage system, garbage problems and pollution.He said that this maybe a reminder to all.

Looking around, accumulated wastes in many forms were  terrible sights!Added to this were the garbage and trashes  taken from each house and establishment affected by the storm. These,including the mud that if would not be removed and cleaned at once would be hazardous to one’s health. In some areas, wastes remained to be stocked and not collected. Residents waited for garbage collectors.If seen by the scavengers, they would scatter these again and again to cause foul odors spreading nearby establishments. How…how…

People remained to be passive.”Hindi na nga ba talaga matututo.?” Continue doing what was done before. Improper disposal of wastes. Here, there, everywhere- trashes  seem to be the symbol of people’s insensitivity as if we’re trying to prove we’re not really affected. Nothing has changed. Are we not afraid of the next disastrous event?

Ondoy left these messages:

1. Be aware and prepared.

2. First things first. (most important—-least important)

3. Love your neighbor and even your enemies.

4. All are  equal in the eyes of God.

5. Be honest and sincere.

6. Dwell in unity. Remember- In union, there’s strength.

7. Leaders  should  do and perform their duties  conscientiously.

8.Trust and have a strong faith in God.  Pray,pray for it saves and heals.

9. Love God and all His creations. Save nature and the  environment.

A kick in the pants for all of us? Hopefully…

Just like in a classroom set-up, don’t wait for the teacher to say, ” Put all your pens down,  TIME IS UP!”