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On Saturday, September 26, 2009, the whole country was shocked to see on TV the devastation
caused by Tropical Storm Ketsana (or Typhoon Ondoy). As early as Thursday, the usual warnings
were already raised on the possibility of flood and other negative effects of the typhoon. However,
few people could have actually predicted the resulting flash flood, the displacement of hundreds of
thousands of people from their homes, the death of almost 100 Filipinos in the various areas
affected and the resulting damage to infrastructure and crops. This unexpectedness caught a lot of
people unprepared, including government officials and agencies who were (and still are) criticized for
their slowness in responding to the Filipinos who are in need.
http://www.inquirer.net/
Affected Areas
Tropical Storm Ondoy affected various parts in Luzon - Metro Manila (where the capital, Manila, is
located), Central Luzon (Pampanga, Bulacan) and the Calabarzon area (Rizal, Quezon, Cavite,
Laguna and Batangas). Metro Manila was the hardest hit with approximately 80% submerged in
deep flood, affecting millions of people.
As of the writing of this hub, Tropical Storm Ondoy is said to be exiting the country. However, the
destruction doesn't end there. The storm is said to have caused further damage in southern
Mindanao through flash floods and power failures.
Death toll is already 100 and still rising; with over 50% in the Calabarzon area and only 6%
in the Metro Manila area. This, however, does not include certain areas in Metro Manila where
the concerned government agencies are still gathering the said data. The media, however, has
reported that they have already counted over 50 casualties in Metro Manila alone. UPDATE:
Official death toll count is now 240. UPDATE #2: Death toll is already estimated to be around
377.
The typhoon dropped heavy rains (and strong winds) for 9 to 12 hours in the areas affected
(rains were said to be the heaviest over the last 40 years and were actually said to be worse
than Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, USA).
The heavy rains took their toll and caused massive floods. At their deepest level, these
floods were said to be 6 meters or 20 feet deep. The result? Cars, low-level houses, rice fields
and the streets were all deep in water.To make matters worse, landslides also occurred in
several areas in Metro Manila.
Estimated amount of damage to infrastructure, crops and properties - P110 million or over
$2.0 million. UPDATE: The current damage is much more than the originally estimated amount.
In Marikina alone, one of the hardest hit by the flood, the estimate cost to rebuilt the city is P1
billion or $20 million.UPDATE #2: Estimated damage is already up to P10 billion or $200
million.
More than the statistics / figures shown above, I'll never forget seeing my countrymen wading in
neck-deep water carrying their prized possessions. Or a father holding his child's crib (which acted
as a life boat for the sleeping baby) while walking along flooded streets. Or dead bodies being found
on the streets once the flood subsided. These images stay with you even after you have turned off
the TV and after the flood has subsided. This flood will always be remembered for it is the worst ever
experienced by the country.
Typhoon Ondoy Floods the World with the Power of Love and Compassion
Beyond the devastating sights of flooding, the panic cries for help, the horrific stories of
survivors, the agonizing sounds of discovering a loved ones body, the hazy eyes of victims
who have lost...
Unprepared Government
The flood took everybody by surprise, even the Philippine Government and the local government
units as well. In the past, the country was used to taking care of one city or two or a province or two
whenever a calamity such as this arises. But, with Tropical Storm Ondoy, more than 10 cities are
affected and more than 5 provinces were devastated as well. The government's resources were just
not enough to quickly deliver emergency measures or even rescue all the people who were
stranded. Even until now, some people are still on top of their roofs while others still do not have any
food to eat or water to drink.
Last Note
My husband, mother, niece and I are lucky enough that we do not live in the areas devastated by the
floods. However, my siblings, aunts, nephews, nieces and in-laws are all in those areas.
Communication was difficult but by the end of Sunday, we were able to hear from all of them and I'm
just glad they are all okay. To the Filipino hubbers out there, here's hoping I will hear from you soon.
Mabuhay!
General Update
With northern Philippines still trying to recover from this storm, another storm (Typhoon Pepeng)
has already entered the Philippine area of responsibility. With maximum sustained winds of 130 kph
and gustiness of up to 160 kph, the center is this typhoon is already 750 kms. east of Guiuan,
Eastern Samar (as of 10:00 pm, Sept. 30) and is moving in the general location of northern
Philippines. I hope it will not wreak the same havoc as Typhoon Ondoy!