Manila and the northern Philippines have been hit by severe weather since Typhoon Saola struck just over a week ago. Here are some of the Typhoon Saola's impacts (updated August 8, 2012):
- Across Manila and surrounding areas, 1.23 million people were affected by the floods, 850,000 of whom had to flee their submerged homes, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Source: ABS-CBN
- 73 confirmed number of people killed across the country since a typhoon triggered heavy rains in late July. Source: ABS-CBN
- Twenty three were killed, including seven missing in northern, central, and southern Luzon, nine areas in Metro Manila and several provinces in central Philippines were heavily flooded, paralysed and placed under a state of calamity. Source: Gulf News
- 250,000 typhoon victims are sheltering in schools, gymnasiums and other buildings that have been turned into evacuation centers. Source: ABS-CBN
- More than half the amount of rain normally seen in August has fallen in the capital in 24 hours. Source: BBC News
- Benito Ramos, head of the country's disaster response agency, said that at least 60% of the city was underwater. Source: BBC News
- After 12 days of rains (since the start of Typhoon Saola’s wrath), the sun peeped briefly at eight Wednesday morning, making sleepless government officials, rescuers, and reporters joyful. Source: Gulf News
- Typhoon Ketsana hit the Philippines in September 2009, causing flooding that killed more than 400 people and Typhoon Nestat and Nalgae struck two years later, leaving more than 100 dead. The current rain and floods are said to be the worst to hit the country since 2009. Source: BBC News
The Philippine Department of Tourism launched the "It's more fun in the Philippines" campaign to show our country's best and the nature of our people. Simply put, it is more fun in the Philippines because Philippines have the happiest people in the world. The people's optimism is based on the Latinasian idea that “all things shall pass, and that life should be lived.” Here is a series of why typhoons are more fun in the Philippines:
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| Diving, more fun in the Philippines Source: Pinoy Laugh Page |
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| Surfing, more fun in the Philippines Source: Pinoy Laugh Page |
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| Jetskiing, more fun in the Philippines Source: Pinoy Laugh Page |
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Foot-Spa, more fun in the Philippines.
Source: Pinoy Laugh Page
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| Drinking, more fun in the Philippines Source: Pinoy Laugh Page |
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| Spiderman, more fun in the Philippines. Source: Tepan Espino via Mashable |
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| High heels, more fun in the Philippines. Source: Pinoy Laugh Page |
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| Coffins, more fun in the Philippines Source: Facebook group link |
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| Kayaking, more fun in the Philippines Source: www.facebook.com/PIOmarikina |
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| Submarines, more fun in the Philippines Source: Seaman OnlinePH |
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| Online Gaming, more fun in the Philippines Source: Facebook group link |
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| Dog herding, more fun in the Philippines Source: Facebook group link |
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| Police rides, more fun in the Philippines Source: Definitely Filipino |
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| Snorkeling, more fun in the Philippines Source: The Manansala Photography |
Here's how you can extend your help.
Share to everyone. #ReliefPH #HelpLuzon
FOR THOSE IN THE PHILIPPINES:
You can text your donations. Donate via SMS to Philippine National Red Cross:
Globe text RED <5 300="300" or="or"> to 2899
Smart text RED <10 500="500" or="or"> to 4143
Smart text RED <10 500="500" or="or"> to 4143
FOR THOSE IN THE PHILIPPINES AND ABROAD:
Visit this Philippine National Red Cross Link to find other ways to donate
- Architecture for Humanity is responding to the latest flooding in the Philippines. The goal is to raise $100,000 for long-term aid. If you are an architect in the area and are interested in getting involved, please contact AFH. If you’d like to make a donation to help support disaster resiliency and reconstruction, we invite you to make a donation on this link.
- World Vision Philippines: A donation of P3000 will help them provide a complete survival kit of both food and non-food items for a family of six (6) good for 2 weeks. To donate, log on to www.bit.ly/wv-relief-support.
- If you know of other ways to donate, please contact me at egarcia.ecohope@gmail.com
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| I salute these Filipinos... Source: I am 100% Filipino! |
Despite the ongoing battle, the Filipinos remains in good spirit. That is because the...
Emergency contact information
- NDRMCC Hotlines: (02) 911-1406, (02) 912-2665, (02) 912-5668; +63917-8916322
- Red Cross: If you need to be rescued, call 143 and 527-0000. Put a white blanket outside your house so rescuers can locate where you are.
- MMDA: 8820925
- Philippine Coast Guard: 0917-PCGDOTC (0917-7243682)
- Navotas Rescue: 281-8602 / 281-4174 / 281-8573
- Valenzuela City: 292-1405
- Malabon: 281-4999
- Caloocan: 288-8811 loc 2295
- Navotas: 281-1111
