It is really nothing new, the Philippines is a flood-prone country but we didn’t expect the destructive nature of typhoon Ulysses. Pagasa said it will only pass by Metro Manila but it directly passed by the province of Rizal in which our town is included, Pasig City, Bulacan province and Marikina City.
Thoughts of typhoon Ondoy back in 2009 came too close all over again. Wednesday of last week, Josef, Jovy and I didn’t have a wink the whole night watching the storm. At round 5 am the following day, I fell asleep for an hour and when I woke up at around 6:30 am, flood waters were at the garage. We weren’t able to move out the car since the current outside was too strong and several cars on our street were already parked there. It is higher than the other streets in our subdivision.
Right there and then, we gathered some of our belongings, important papers that should be saved, some groceries and change of clothing. We transferred to our neighbor whose house has three levels. They are like second family to us. With the two fur babies and mom in tow, we braved the winds and the rains crossing the street. Good thing Josef was able to detach the car’s battery and computer box before we left although rain waters reached the seat of the car. We have it towed last Friday. It is still covered by comprehensive insurance so that’s one expense saved.
Flood waters inside the house reached my knees so we transferred everything to a higher place. We came back the following day, mud was all over the sala and dining area. Good thing it didn’t reach our bedrooms. It is always easier to lift those furniture and fixtures and what have you but so hard to put them back after the storm. My legs are aching until now. That Friday night, we were surprised that Isabela and Cagayan provinces in the north were deep in water, as high as the second level of most home and you can’t even see rooftop of most houses. It was VP Leni who mobilized those who could help in the rescue in the middle of the night.
Malacanang and duterte’s men were so quiet about what was happening in the north. And now these duterte diehards that we call DDS are bashing VP Leni left and right. I hate, hate them. She was so busy visiting those flooded areas that three consecutive typhoons hit. They could not find fault in what she is doing until now so they invent lies and scenarios against the vice-president and post them on social media.
If only they didn’t shut down ABS-CBN, news could have reached those far away places affected by the storm. These dam operators were crazy, they released waters from Magat dam at the height of the typhoon flooding these two provinces. I think protocol is, they have to open the gates at least two or three days before the storm hit.
It used to be that foreign countries help the Philippines whenever calamities like this strike but duterte put an end to that when he said a few years back that he does not need help from those countries because he does not want his human rights violations exposed.
I know, Filipinos are resilient when it comes to disasters but this government is so slow to act to help us. I guess it is about time that he leaves his seat and transfer the reign to our working and compassionate Vice-President Leni Robredo.
I learned from Elizabeth that you were flooded. I feel so sorry for you. Thank heavens all of you are OK! I’m praying for you and your family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Anne, this is what I am always afraid of. We are in the typhoon belt.
LikeLike
Are you back in your house? I hope the flood waters have receded.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, since Friday morning. They have but those towns inCagayan and Isabela provinces are still flooded.
LikeLike
Were Nissa and her family not affected by the flood?
LikeLiked by 1 person
They were not Anne. The typhoon was stronger here.
LikeLike
That’s good that they did not suffer. I know you must be awfully tired of cleaning and putting things to rights.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is quite harder to put things back. I am almost there.
LikeLike
You are amazing. I’m so glad you can see the end of this awful flood and hope things will soon feel normal to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so too Anne. Just relaxing in front of my PC.
LikeLike
That’s marvelous that you have reached a relaxing stage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Finally was able to read Anne. Haven’t touched the garden yet…hehe!
LikeLike
The garden can wait. Reading is good for you right now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes need to relax because the next few days would be busy again, thank you for the moral support Anne.
LikeLike
Any time!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry Arlene! Stay strong! 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Ribana.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This makes our storms pale into insignificance. I wish you a safe recovery
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Derrick 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am sorry to hear this, Arlene, though Elizabeth had already informed us on her blog. I hope that you can get back to normal soon, and that will be the last of the flooding for now. I had noticed you were not blogging, but presumed the storm had affected your Internet.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We left the house overnight Pete, went back the following morning when the flood waters have subsided. We’re doing
okay, though we have still so much to do. Thanks.
LikeLike
Arlene — so sorry about the typhoon damage, but glad you and your family are safe! Much love and many prayers as you (and all those affected in the Philippines) sort out the way forward.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can’t bear to see those people especially kids on rooftops waiting to be rescued. So really, really sad.
LikeLike
Arlene, I’m glad that you and your family are safe! While having to clean up a muddy mess after flooding is a pain in the neck, stuff can be replaced. Human lives not. Stay safe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, thank you. Went to the grocery this morning to buy food. Our ref was empty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry to hear what has happened. Binaha pala kayo. Ano na lagay niyo ngayon? How about your daughter’s family?
Be safe all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maayos naman sila Nissa, hindi sila binaha. Okay na sa loob ng bahay except the garden…hehe! Thanks Techie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ay naku kamusta mga plants mo?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Di ko pa ginagalaw yung lumubog sa baha, nag trim lang ako nung tumagilid. Buhay pa naman sila.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Salamat naman. Take care my friend
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Techie, I will.
LikeLike
Sorry to hear you were badly affected by the typhoon. The strong winds of typhoon Ulysses were so scary, but the rush of water from the dams was worse for those living on the premises. Hope it will be the last this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so too. I am pissedby duterte’s pambabastos kay VP Leni. Grabe.
LikeLike
I was glad that so many read my post about you before you had the chance to post something yourself. A lot of people really care what happens to you and went into prayer for you and your family. I did too, of course.
LikeLike
Thank you Elizabeth. I haven’t read all posts on my reader feed yet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person