As the death toll rises and survivors ravage for food,
drinks and medical help, one can only think about the massive devastation caused
by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Out of the rubble, different heartbreaking stories
arise on how families got swept away by the storm surge and how people despite
being warned, did not really expect something as horrible as this. You can’t
blame them; you can’t blame anyone for that matter actually because this is the
first time that any country has been hit by this kind of immense cyclone.
Typhoon Yolanda came in like a thief in the night (but in day time) and claimed
hundreds of lives despite the fact that people have been warned to prepare days
before. People knew about strong gusty winds and heavy rains coming in but they
did not expect storm surges as big as 6-10 feet coming their way. Imagine a tornado
together with tall waves crashing your house, that’s how helpless people were
during the time of impact of Typhoon Yolanda. Due to the quick waves crashing
in a span of minutes and probably seconds to those living closer to the coastal
areas, people who don’t have a second floor were forced to grab handrails,
windows and doors just to stay alive. There was even one story where a family
had no choice but to close their one-storey house just to be safe and then
finally realize that water coming in was higher than expected and when it was
time to go outside they couldn’t open their doors because the water’s pressure prevented
them to do so. There are probably hundreds more of stories like this one amidst
the wake of Typhoon Yolanda; stories of devastation, fear, anger and depression
that only some people can dread imagining.
Among the areas hit by Typhoon Yolanda, Leyte and Samar
were the most immensely devastated. Seeing the city of Tacloban, Leyte, the
image of the once thriving city now only showcases the remains of roofless
houses, shattered walls, broken trees and alarming numbers of casualties. Survivors
flock relief goods; supplies that they rely on because they really don’t have anything
left but just their lives. For those ignorant of the fact on how hopeless
people in damaged areas feel, imagine yourself losing everything and relying
only for help as each day passes by. Imagine yourself once having the comforts
of a nice home, a bed to rest on and a shelter to be safe at and losing them
all within minutes. What would you do? Where will you go for resources if you
have nothing left?
People affected by Typhoon Yolanda need all the help that
they can get. I hope people can really spare some time looking more into the
news of the devastation and think of ways of helping out. This is one
catastrophic event that people should not ignore. This is a wrath of nature
where no one needs to get blamed for.
Put yourself in the place of the affected families crying
for help amidst a chaotic devastation.
Imagine yourself living in an evacuation area for days
after being immensely horrified by a traumatic experience.
Ask yourself, what would you feel if you were in their
shoes?
What would you hope for?
Now, look at yourself. Look at where you are staying
right now. Look at all the furniture that you have and even check your kitchen
for all the food supplies that you are blessed with. Check your clothes,
accessories and even jewelries. Lastly, take a look at your whole family.
Now do you see how blessed you are today? Do you realize
how fortunate you are to have such people and things at this exact moment?
Be thankful for all the blessings and be a blessing to
other people, most especially to those who are in dire need of help.
Lend a helping hand, PLEASE PRAY and DONATE.
Where You Can Donate:
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