Typhoon Ondoy's situation in Manila, Philippines

Last Saturday at around 12:00 noon New York time and 12:00 midnight Manila time I was calling our home phone in Manila trying to contact my two sons and ask how they are. I called five times and the phone was just ringing. I was wondering why, I thought that my sons go to my aunt’s house to attend the wedding of my cousin. Unaware when was the wedding and thinking that they are having a good time. I tried to call their cell number but it was out of coverage area. So I tried to call my sister’s cell phone - just ring twice and then went busy. So I called my cousin’s house to check if they were there but the phone is just ringing too. I decided to call my other aunt, somebody answered and told me to wait but alas I was waiting for five minutes but the other end went off. So I tried my sisters cell phone again and this time I was able to talk to her and it was only then that I learned that the communication is down, electricity is off and no water because some parts of Manila is flooded because of typhoon Ondoy. She told me that due to flood from her office in Quezon Avenue she took the MRT to SM North Edsa from there she walk to our house in Frisco because the jeeps and buses are stranded. The flood at seven o’clock on that area is up to her legs. Thank God that when she get home the flood in our area sudside already. But before that the next street to us is flooded above the head of a man. My son narrated that he was there in his own way together with his friends help the people getting things that they could get from the houses and help them load to the truck. He told me that there are some families that were trapped in their houses and on the roof of their houses. They could not get out because the water is too high and the current of the water is very strong. They are afraid they might be carried by the flow. Anyway, I am just lucky and I feel blessed that my children and sister is safe in my house though I am sad and my heart goes to them some of my relatives in Marikina, Cainta, and in Laguna are unlucky and victims of the flood. They have no food to eat, no clothing and left homeless. Here are some pictures and videos that I got from you tube courtesy of members who downloaded this. Thanks for them for sharing them.

A Philippine Air Force aerial shot shows floodwaters caused by continuous rains brought by Typhoon Ondoy in Cainta Rizal, east of Manila September 27, 2009.

Residents wade in floodwaters in Cainta Rizal east of Manila September 27, 2009.

Rescuers assist residents from floodwaters as they board a rubber boat in Cainta Rizal east of Manila September 27, 2009.

evacuate residents on a rubber boat in Cainta Rizal east of Manila September 27, 2009.

Rescuers from the Philippine Navy carry a victim of flash floods at Provident Village in Marikina City September 27, 2009.

Residents sit on a rubber boat as they are evacuated from floodwaters in Cainta Rizal east of Manila September 27, 2009.
---see video---

Quezon city

Marikina & Cainta


Pasig


Now I am initiating in my own little way to ask whatever help that I could get in cash or in kind from our neighbors here and my hubby’s cousins, our bosses and officemates . I make my face thick so I could help my relatives and also extend a help to others thru our little NGO organization spearheaded by my cousin. I thank God in advance that they answered my calling and pledge for support. I am now waiting for them to give it to me so I could pack and sent the package to the Philippines soonest.