Typhoon Frank : the Aftermath

It is really sad that typhoon Frank has brought vast devastation in our country. This is not to mention the fact that we haven't yet recovered from the soaring prices of diesel, rice and almost all the basic commodities in the country. The most hardly hit was the central part of the Philippines (Iloilo being the eye of the storm). Apart from the massive flooding (not only in the Visayan region, but also in Manila), another tragic sea accident happened. A local ferry of Sulpicio Lines (MV Princess of Stars) capsized in the waters of coast of Sibuyan island, central Philippines. According to reports, almost 700 passengers were aboard and 600 of them are feared dead.

As I was watching the TV for the news on the aftermath of the typhoon, I cannot believe my eyes. The sight of the houses submerged in the flood, with only the roof seen is really a pitiful sight to behold. I know for sure, that many of my countryman is suffering. I can just imagine the agony they are undergoing right now. The kids sleeping in the floor, the parents looking for food to tend to their kids, the old ones looking weary, the sick becoming ill evenmore.

I cried when I watched the families of the sunken ship, MV Princess of Stars, crying their hearts out looking for their loved ones, hoping that they are still alive. They are still very hopeful that their family has survived, even though in reality, after 2 days that the ship has capsized, the chances of survival is very slim.

Typhoon Frank is one of the worst natural disaster to hit the Philippines. It caused an unimaginable devastation and heartbreak across the land. Many lives has been lost. I pray that God will bless the souls of the lost, and that He will comfort their families and friends and all lives touched by this disaster. I am very, very sad but I can only offer my sincerest prayer to the victims and for the immediate rehabilitation of those who are affected.

A father cries while holding his son after finding him drowned to death in a river after Typhoon (Frank) Fengshen hit Iloilo City, central Philippines June 22, 2008. Typhoon Fengshen, with maximum gusts of 195 kph (121 mph), has killed at least 85 people in central and southern Philippines, including 59 in Iloilo province, where floodwaters submerged whole communities. REUTERS/Leo Solinap (PHILIPPINES)

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In crisis like this, there are always good Samaritans, unselfishly helping others. To my fellow bloggers, let us spread the word. Let us disseminate the information to those who would like to donate and help, that there are channels that they can give their donations. It is now that they need our compassion and support

• Univ. Student Council (University of the Philippines)

• ABS-CBN Foundation - Sagip Kapamilya
  13 Examiner Street, West Triangle, Quezon City
  Telephone: (632) 411-4995

  Cash Donations:
  ABSCBN Foundation - Sagip Kapamilya
  > Bank: BDO
  Account Number: 5630020111 (Peso)

• Task Force NOAH for survivors of Typhoon Frank

• GMA Kapuso Foundation
  GMA Kapuso Center
  Samar St. corner 11th Jamboroo St., Quezon City
  Telephone: (632) 982-7777 ex. 9901-9905
  Direct Line: (632 )928-9361 / 928-4299

  Cash Donations:
  GMA Kapuso Foundation
  > Bank: United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB)
  Account Number: 16011112777 (Peso)
  Account Number: 011603004276 (US Dollar) Swift Code/Routing: UCPB PH MM
  > Bank: Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank)
  Account Number: 3098510347 (Peso)
  Account Number: 2098002442 (US Dollar) Swift Code/Routing: MBTC PH MM

• Philippine National Red Cross

(Photo credits : Reuters)
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