No more flood, please

I have experienced so many typhoons when I was living in the province and the one that I wouldn’t forget is Typhoon signal number 3 Sisang that I was in 1987. I was almost seven years old by that time. Our house was flooded probably chest deep, wind howling strongly above our house. I remembered sleeping in a cabinet and transferred at the top of the refrigerator. It was scary for me.

After so many typhoons I think I’m really used to it. Typhoons here in the city are so mild even if they’re known a signal number 3 typhoon.

But I was wrong.

Last September 26, 2009 was unexpected. Ondoy/Ketsana carried heavy rains which causes enormous flood in several cities and towns. Luckily I was home but my other sisters were out there, stranded. My youngest sister was stranded in the train station and was able to get home the next day. My eldest sister evacuated to a friend’s house with her son and godchild. The third one didn’t come home for 2 days – stayed in her boss house in the first night and friend’s house in the second night. My father, mother and I were worried for them. We couldn’t eat and sleep the whole night. Also, worried to our relatives who lived near the river.

The next day, my mother and I decided to look for my youngest sister. It’s really amazing how we saw her. There were sooo many people walking in the flooded highway and we thought that she might be one of them. After few minutes standing and waiting, my mother and I decided to move. We rode a huge truck that carried gravel to a nearby town. After we passed the flooded area we decided to walk. I got thirsty and decided to buy something to drink then I saw her in another truck. We joined her in that truck and asked her what she did in the train station and forgot my thirst. The truck was moving slowly because of the traffic, I also remembered my thirst and jumped off the truck to buy bottles of cold distilled water. Another hour passed and we’re still not moving. I suggested to my mother that we should walk. 2 other passengers joined with us – a pregnant woman, an old woman and a strong man. My mother assisted the old woman and I assisted the pregnant one. The flood was leg-deep. We’re able to walk in the flood for few minutes.

I’m glad that we found my youngest sister.

I’m glad the two other are safe.

I’m glad that I was able to help.

I thank the Lord for keeping my family safe.