Yesterday, the Philippines experienced yet another tragic calamity that will go down the books of history. The continuous pouring of rain has flooded most of Metro Manila and some parts of Luzon. Amidst the flood reports, newscasters keep saying that there is no storm. According to PAGASA or Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Service Administration, flooding is caused by HABAGAT or monsoon rains. Tropical storm HAIKUI has been over Taiwan for several days and strong winds are pushing the monsoon rains to the Philippines. We are warned that today until Thursday rains will continue though it is starting to recede. Online casino Ireland. ###
My Facebook page is deluged with pictures of flooded areas, flood reports, prayers and even funny pictures and quotes that only Filipinos can conjure.
On a personal note, I woke up with the news that my parents' house in Quezon City is already beginning to flood. They left immediately but with floods all over, was unable to reach my cousin who had a three story building. Immediately I felt anxious and scared for my parents. Both are in their 70's but are still strong and independent. When they stopped for food near our church, I immediately called up our church pastor and he came to pick them up.
My anxiety did not stop there, though. Our house is located very near a creek and during the Ondoy storm in 2009, our house's exterior area became flooded. Though the flood waters never reached the inside of our home, it was disconcerting to see the waters go higher outside our house. It felt like being on an island.
We were undecided about going because we don't have a vehicle. That would mean taking the children to walk the flooded streets.It's a good thing my sister offered to pick us up so off we went to their house.
Our family is safe now, thank God, but thousands of families in Metro Manila are still suffering, especially those that have lost their homes. Here's a video I found on YouTube that may give you an idea of what happened here and what is still happening right now. Any help will be appreciated.
Thousands are affected by this flood. Homes are totally damaged. People are left without anything but the clothes on their backs. Children are getting sick in evacuation centers. Help is badly needed. They are asking for clothes, blankets, food – the kind that doesn’t need cooking, and water, toiletries, diapers, milk.
Help can be sent through Philippine Red Cross or GMA Kapuso Foundation Hotline at (+632)9811950.
Google Crisis Response published a site for people who needs emergency contact numbers for rescue. If you know anyone who needs rescue, if you need to find a family member, the numbers and links are here.
Generosity Encouraged
2 Corinthians 9:6-15 New International Version (NIV)
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.”
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
4 comments:
Thanks for posting the crisis response info!
It is just a Habagat and not a storm but still it destroyed many properties and brought heavy rainfalls to the country that cause floods in different places. Hope this coming storm Helen would not be as strong as this.
Weather Philippines
You're welcome Anne and thanks for visiting :)
You're right, Apple. It is just a habagat (and I write that with a small letter since that is not his name :), I do hope storm Helen will not affect us so much.
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