Post-Ondoy Onslaught

It's been two days since last Saturday's torrential downpour. Now the devastation is apparent as the sun beats down the aftermath. Knee-deep in mud, destroyed properties, washed out homes, taken lives...

I was at home at that time, safe and comfortable along with my family, unaware that the rain was currently tearing down other homes much like mine with families also inside them. Not safe, far from comfort. We were unaware of the gravity of the situation until we saw the news yesterday (after finally gaining connection through cable and internet), the ruined houses, overturned vehicles, destroyed structures. It was all surreal and shocking because what we experienced during the typhoon was nothing to what we were seeing on TV. It was a nightmare come true.

Now, the pull is far greater than before. The pull to help out others who are still in need. Right now, I feel so helpless, work preventing me from doing something about it. As of the moment, the only help I could think of is reposting announcements, emergency hotlines and updates through Facebook. I've also been trying to keep in touch with friends and asking for their situation through text messages, whom I haven't heard news from since last Saturday. Later, I plan to pass by our climbing gym to give out my share in the donations for those who'll need food.

I just hope it still won't be too late to help come weekend. And for the supposed incoming monsoon this Thursday, I hope it's not as worse as Ondoy. God knows a lot of people have already suffered enough.