Photo from REUTERS/ Erik de Castro
It was 9 years ago when typhoon Ondoy (international name Ketsana) left Luzon devastated as it submerged areas in Metro Manila, Central and Southern Luzon.
As the Philippines, a country that has been tried and tested by multiple typhoons, landslides, and earthquakes, was left in shock as the country was unprepared for Ondoy’s tragic impact.
PAGASA reported that the rain accumulated within 24 hours surpassed the whole month’s normal rainfall which resulted to widespread flooding. It left more than 4 million people affected, with an estimate of 464 deaths, 529 injuries, and 37 missing.
But more than the death and devastation left by Ondoy, it also exposed the lack of emergency measures and infrastructure for the country’s disaster response.
Filipinos were left staying on their roofs and attics as flood water reached high levels. Some people felt like it was the ‘end of the world’ as they felt a sense of helplessness as they waited for rescue.
The shock and trauma which Ondoy left 9 years ago became a big lesson to our nation as we learned to be vigilant in times of natural calamities. It became a challenge for government officials to not only respond immediately, but to also adapt well to drastic change. Now, evacuation centers and rescue boats are prepared prior to approaching typhoons.
During Ondoy, the massive flash flood was caused by the overwhelming garbage found in our rivers and sewers which made it hard to drain collected rain water. This also raised awareness on the alarming effect of climate change. It reminded us to be conscious of our day-to-day actions, to exert more effort in taking care of our environment, and to use less garbage – particularly plastic.
Amidst Ondoy and the many storms that continue to test our nation, our Filipino spirit keeps us afloat – allowing us to rise again. We must continue to learn, not only from Ondoy, but from every storm that falls in our country to remain prepared, vigilant, and most of all, resilient.
