Non-stop rain since last night caused floods almost everywhere around the metro and nearby provinces. It was and still is raining for more than a week now here in Manila and no, there were no storms that directly caused this but rather southwest monsoon enhanced by tropical storm ‘Haiku’.
A lot of cities in Metro Manila are submerged in water and most roads are impassable as of the moment. While some areas water have already subside, some are still stagnant ranging from ankle deep to two-stories deep.
Classes from schools were suspended mostly since last night while work in public offices were announced early this morning and soon private offices followed suit. If you are following me on Twitter, you’d know that I’ve be constantly retweeting and tweeting, helping those who have the power disseminate information as efficiently as possible.
I’ve had my fair share of flooding experience when I was a kid. We lived in a village in Quezon City back in 1990s and even with little rain water would still rise, gutter-deep to knee-deep with just a few minutes of rain. I remember we even documented (Betamax days) one incident where I saw a neighbor frantically paddling his way out using a makeshift boat made of corrugated metal roofing, he was chasing after his pets; a pig and a dog if I remember it correctly. Back then my sisters and I find it amusing watching our street transform into a huge pool/ lake as our parents were busy putting up all the furnitures and appliances to the second floor. We would even try to escape and swim on the first floor of our house that looked like a pool of trash with black water. Looking back at it now that I’m a parent myself, I’m paranoid, stressed and affected just by thinking about it and thinking about those who are affected by what the rain brings.
If you’re like me who is guilty of being dry and safe at the comfort of my home, have electricity, food and Internet connection I believe reading this post and sharing it or doing whatever way you can to help is the immediate thing we should do.
Here’s the list of emergency numbers you can call:
What To Do:
-Listen to news reports and updates via television or radio. It pays to be updated to what is happening.
– Charge all your gadgets as means of communication. Plug your phones, laptops/computers, emergency lights and the like since Meralco is shutting down power to areas affected by flood to avoid electrocution.
– Prepare an emergency bag. Whether your safe at home, it is best to have a bag ready with basic necessities: biscuits, water, extra clothes and the like within your arms reach should you be needing to evacuate your area. Remember that you & your family’s lives are far more important than your car, your house or any material things.
– Stay calm. It doesn’t help to panic and cause panic to your loved ones and people around you. If you’re stranded somewhere away from your family best to conserve your phone’s battery life but do text them every once in a while to let them know how you’re doing.
-Be sensitive. Although its comforting to know that you’re safe and sound please bear in mind that there are others who are not so lucky enough and are deeply affected. Be mindful of what you post on your social media channels and if you must RT, share or like something make sure your sources are accurate as to not cause panic and offend others. Yes, that means no posting of Twister Fries nor ordering food delivery (if you can hold it) just to satisfy your craving, but if you really need to then I guess you have no choice. Imagine what the riders/ food delivery staff will undergo through (as much as I have a valid excuse for craving Twister fries, yes it has been a week and I haven’t had one but I’m not that insensitive to order and have one delivered right now.
-Use white blanket or anything white if you need to be rescued. With almost zero visibility, rescuers may find it hard to locate you or someone who needs to be rescued so please wear white or any thing light so that its easier for them to see you.
If you know someone who needs to be rescued please click THIS and fill out the necessary information so that they can be included in the list of people that need assistance.
Here are some websites that you may find useful.
http://www.gov.ph/government-information-during-natural-disasters/
http://storify.com/juanxi/how-to-help-and-seek-help-august-7-2012
http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate
http://president.gov.ph/evacuation-centers-relief-operations/
If you have a Twitter account then please use the hashtag #rescuePH should you know someone who is stranded somewhere and #reliefPH for any help and assistance you wish to extend. You can also tweet @MMDA @govph @RESCUE5PH @gmanews @ABSCBNnews for updates.
Other telephone numbers of institutions and the like:
NAIA PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE : 853-5998 (24 hours daily) 823-0669 (8am-5pm daily)823-0998 (8am-5pm daily)
DOLE hotline: +63 2 527 8000
COAST GUARD: 0917-7243682
Praying for everyone’s safety.
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