Filippinos Plea for International Help
Deadly Flooding Hits Manilla, More Storms Approach
Sep 28, 2009
Jeff Aquino, his wife, their three children, and two nephews spent the night on the roof of their home Sunday. Flood waters had risen to the third story of their home. They had no food or water and mixed baby formula with rain for the two-year-old twins.
The rising waters came from Tropical Storm Ketsana, which hit the island Saturday. More than a month's worth of rain came down in just 12 hours. It's the most rain to fall in a single storm in the Philippines since 1967.
More than 7,900 people had to be rescued. About 500-thousand people have been forced from their homes. Those who haven't been forced to leave are trying to survive without access to drinking water, power, or food.
Shelters are Full
Officials estimate about 115,000 people are staying in makeshift shelters at schools and churches.
Lines for food are very long. The storm seemed to take everyone by surprise, and the government was not prepared. Officials are asking for international help.
In a news conference, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said "We are trying our level best to provide basic necessities, but the potential for a more serious situation is there."
Teodoro is blaming landslides for some of the casualties.
Many people feel the government isn't doing enough. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo waited until Monday, two days after the flooding began, to order an emergency center to be set up in the presidential palace. Arroyo called the storm, "a once in a lifetime typhoon." But she says, "it is not breaking us." Arroyo did admit the resources have been strained to the limit.
Another Storm Approaching
Rescuers frantically searched through the flood waters Monday and pulled more victims out. Meanwhile The Weather Channel is forecasting rain everyday for the next 10 days. So far, damage estimates are at 30-million dollars. More than a third of the damage estimates are from crops that were destroyed.
The chief weather forecaster in the Philippines is blaming the floods on climate change. Nathaniel Cruz says there will be more destructive weather systems in the future.
Some Help on the Way
The United States has donated 100-thousand dollars, and sent 20 soldiers with a military helicopter and five rubber boats to the area. China is also donating funds.
The United Nations Children's Fund and World Food Program are also providing aid.
Aquino and his family6 were some of the fortunate people to be rescued and although they have lost everything, they are thankful to be alive.
"We thought it was the end for us," Aquino said.
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