Typhoon Odette's aftermath

Typhoon Odette's aftermath.

Power outages, no water supply, no network signals, no WIFI, destructed houses, damage to property and agricultural crops, and worst casualties.

I saw these sceneries in posts in social media. Our place is not directly affected by the typhoon but my heart goes with the people who are severely affected by the typhoon's wrath. Some parts of Bohol, Surigao del Sur, Cebu and even other places. My cousin who is living in Valencia Bohol of whom I visited last 2019 lost their house. All roofs gone because of the strong winds especially that their house is near the sea. Comfort is, they are all safe.

When I saw the devastation Odette has brought to some places I recalled the time Typhoon Pablo hit Davao Oriental in December 2012. Pablo was a Category 5 typhoon which severely hit East Coast part of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. It killed a thousand. It destroyed the people's farmlands, banana plantations and coconut trees. It damaged infrastructures and properties. All tourism sites affected. It took years to rise up again. With the help of the government, other countries, NGAs and even kababayans, the people in our place slowly cope up with the tragic experience. Our place, Mati City (only lightly affected) became a refuge of some, schools became the evacuation centers. We made donations in terms of food and clothes. We went to packing centers to help in packing relief goods. The Filipino culture of bayanihan was rekindled. Giving hope to others who feel the trauma and pain of losing things they worked hard for so long. Slowly, Davao Oriental rise up again. Now, I can say that our place has recovered but the memories of Pablo will always be there.

With the rage of Odette, network signals for Mindanao and Visayas were affected. Yesterday, it seemed that the world stopped for some because the network signals were gone.

BPOs, bank transactions and all transactions that needs internet connection were affected. All of us is affected by Odette directly or indirectly. But who are we complain and blame the network providers? their infrastructure was also hit. All we need now is patience and understanding of the situation.

What can we do for our fellow kababayans who need help? We can send help even in little ways we can. We can send donations and even make follow-ups to them. Ask their current situation. Let the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, tulungan will be rekindled again by this time. Above all, we need to pray for them, that the Lord will give them comfort and hope amidst this trying time.

This article is sentimental to me, I have no plans of writing it but ideas and words just came out to mind as I imagined what happened to my friends and relatives in Cebu, Bohol and Surigao. I hope help will come soonest for them. They really need help for now. I am committed to help my cousins in Bohol, who lost their house. All tips for this article will be donated to them. Thanks for reading.

~MizLhaine