Worst typhoon in 40 years - a note from Charlie's mom

Noone expected Typhoon Ondoy to turn out this way. Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) was only signal number 1, the lowest storm signal. But, it dumped a month's worth of rain in 6 hours.

It rained hard on Friday and did not stop until late Saturday evening. Rivers around Metro Manila rose and water dams overflowed. The situation was exacerbated by blocked drainages and erosion from nearby mountains. Massive flood around Metro Manila resulted. In areas near rivers or creeks, waters reached 20 feet high! People were stranded on their rooftops waiting for rescue. However, since roads were not passable, it took time to provide help. It was painful to watch the news reporting children on the rooftops drenched by the heavy rains and going for several days without food or clean water. The typhoon left many without homes and over two hundred people dead.

Our family was spared. We consider ourselves lucky than most people. While water did come in our house, it was not that high and we had sufficient time to move our things to the second floor. We were stranded on the second floor for about a day but we were safe and warm and had food and water. I think Charlie had fun playing with his toys and sleeping on our beds.

It would take time to help all those affected and rebuild that which had been damaged. But, I believe in the resiliency of the Filipinos, tested by countless calamities like this one. For now, though, we need help. If you have something extra you could donate - food, used clothing, blankets, anything you can spare - please course them through the numerous organizations helping Filipinos get through this challenge.

Thank you,

Charlie's mom