‘Ondoy’ survivors recall ordeal with tears and hope

Tropical storm ‘Ondoy’ has left the country, but the nightmare it brought to its numerous victims is too vivid to forget. Thelma of Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City recounted her ordeal after finally reuniting with her loved ones. They were separated when flood waters swept them from their rooftop Saturday, dragging them to different parts of the metropolis. Raging waters brought her to Marikina Riverbanks, about five kilometers away, while a sibling was found farther in Manila Bay. A wound caused by a blow from a block of wood serves as a lasting reminder of the tragedy. For Thelma, all that matters is that she and her relatives are alive. As of Monday evening, 140 people who were listed among the casualties were not so fortunate, including 31 people were found dead in the area of Bagong Silangan, according to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).

A few kilometers away, an emotional Reynaldo Pinero lamented his ordeal. “Wala kaming mga gamit, ubos lahat kaya napakasakit (Our things are all gone, it is really painful)," he said as he and his family sought temporary shelter at Barangka Elementary School in Marikina City, which served as an evacuation center for dozens of victims in the city. Although still in need of basic necessities such as food and clothes, Reynaldo said he still considers himself fortunate. “Ang importante buhay kami, hindi kami namatay (the important thing is that we are alive)." “Siguro mayroon pa ring pagkakataon na makabangon kami (Hopefully we will be able to recover from this)," he added. Another evacuee, Jennifer, was grateful for the free calls and cellular phone-charging stations made available at the school. She hurriedly called relatives, letting them know that she and her child are doing fine. However, she started breaking down while recounting her experience. “Muntik nang malunod yung baby ko. Sa lubid lang kasi kami tumawid eh. Ayun, nabitawan yung tali nung nagliligtas (My baby almost drowned. They used a rope to help us, but the rescuer dropped it)," she said, her voice trailing off before she could finish her story. Saturday’s neck-deep waters turned into a muddied mess as residents of Ortigas extension in Pasig City began cleaning their homes and salvaging personal items. Melanie Fabian, a resident, helplessly listened to neighbors’ accounts about how her car reached rooftops as the swift currents carried it 20 meters farther than where it was originally parked. She became more worried as she realized that the damage would not be covered by her insurance company. Even hospitals were not spared from the storm’s wrath as crew members of the Mission Hospital in Pasig frantically sanitized the medical institution. Life-saving equipment were rendered useless as flood water and mud corrupted the machines. Precious medicines were spoiled, dirtied by the deluge. Failing cellular phones have prevented people from communicating with their loved ones, increasing panic among those greatly affected by the flood. Some have taken advantage of media presence in their areas, airing their concerns via television or radio, hoping their pleas will be heard. Two days after the incessant rains that caused unprecedented floods, survivors of the tragedy struggle to cope with life after "Ondoy." - GMANews.TV