The 15th typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2009, named Typhoon Ondoy, showed that 13 is not the unlucky number. Typhoon Ondoy is not even close to being categorized as a supertyphoon, based on the existing public typhoon warning signals of PAGASA. If we consider the amount of rainfall and the resulting floods, however, Typhoon Ondoy is easily one of the most destructive in recent Philippine history.
During a 6-hour stretch on Saturday, 26 September 2009, Typhoon Ondoy dumped a month‘s worth of rain in Metro Manila. The 24-hour rainfall is expected to exceed the 344 mm level set in 7 June 1967. Many are already saying that the flood brought about by Typhoon Ondoy is the worst in Philippine history.
The excessive volume of floodwater, coupled with the fast water flow, means heavy destruction. This is obvious from the TV footage. This morning, immediately after the heavy flooding, we had to go to the airport. We’ve passed by landslides,destroying homes in low-lying areas. We saw a van crumpled upside-down on a now-calm river bed. The only photo we were able to snap is about these heavy concrete barriers that the MMDA usually move around using heavy equipment — an entire stretch of concrete barriers toppled over and tossed around like plastic bricks, near the airport.
Concrete barriers dispersed by Typhoon Ondoy floods
But Filipinos, having been exposed to numerous successive calamities, are sure to cope with the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy. Those who are from Malabon and Navotas, even if equally exposed to the same flood and destruction, are probably better prepared — they deal with floods on a regular basis throughout the year, even with ordinary rain.
Some cope by calling for help. We saw on TV a number of known personalities pleading on national television to be rescued.
Others just try to laugh it off. Here’s the text- reply of a close friend hit by the flood: “Low bat na ako. You called? OK naman kami. Nalubog lang 1st floor with ref and gas range, pati mga kotse. Oh well. OK pala lumutang ang ref.”
How would you cope with such a calamity? Comments below.
kaya nyo yan,wag lang kayong mawalan ng pag`asa…. always have faith in god