I was born on a storm-path region. Every family here already anticipate that at least one storm will strike and will never forsake the region. This is our place and this is how it affected our lives.
It was on 2006 when I experienced the greatest typhoon so far. We were caught unaware. The night before it happened, we visited our ill-stricken classmate. There we learned that a forthcoming super storm is fast approaching and will landfall in the region. Not surprising, I thought. I even rejoiced. Tomorrow will be holiday.
On the next day, heavy rains and strong winds started to inflict the poor region. It commenced around 8:00 am. On the boarding house, we just fall asleep not knowing our weary fate. Before 12:00 noon ticked, flood water rushed in our rooms. We could no longer able to cook at that moment. We’re just lucky that we’re able to save food for lunch, just for lunch.
Our neighbor roofs started to catch our attention. Its supports loosen and soon want to fly. Tree branches soon could be seen flying around, wires swung, and electrical posts toppled.
The flood water soon invaded our rooms. Tables, chairs, and beds floated on the flood water. It was hip high. That was the time I felt insecure and saw the danger coming. We no longer had food for supper. The night with the absence of the light worsen the situation. We felt we were marooned on the middle of the sea. The night was quite long. I just wished it was faster.
The scene the next day was pitiful. The whole place was wrecked! Muddy highways, uprooted trees, knotted wires and grieving families filled up the streets. Looting was absent, though. Many perished, many were missing, and many became hopeless. The storm brought severe changes. The one day holiday I thought was transformed into a one month holiday.
Years after the calamity destruction, the place has recovered, if not, fully recovered. Yet, the trauma it brought still goes on. The people here need more that reconstruction, it needs a sturdy shelter for more typhoons to come.
