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Yesterday, Tropical storm Ondoy (international code name: Ketsana) dumped a total rainfall of 410.6 millimeters (16 inches) on the Philippine capital of Manila. Weather experts say that this is the heaviest rainfall in more than 4 decades, breaking the previous single-day record of 334 millimeters in July 1967.
Nine hours of continuous rain caused raging flash floods that washed away cars, submerged houses and in some areas, complete towns. More than 80% of our hometown of Metro Manila was under water.
Some areas like Marikina, Pasig and Cainta were under up to 20 feet of water, stranding entire families on rooftops. Video footage taken by military helicopters showed residents marooned on the roofs of their homes to escape the rapidly rising water, pleading for food and help.
The government declared a "state of calamity." in Metro Manila late afternoon.
Today, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Agence France Press reported that more than a quarter of a million residents remain displaced. Nearly 280,000 people in Manila and 5 outlying provinces are displaced, with more than 41,000 people in 92 evacuation centers.
Power and communication lines are still out in many areas.
More than 4,000 people have so far been rescued, either by helicopters or by rubber boats, but many remain stranded.
Many private corporations and civil society groups have started collecting relief goods, mobilizing volunteers to re-pack and deploy these donations to the communities in need.
Below is a list of organizations accepting donations in cash or kind. This list has been compiled from the numerous posts on Facebook, TV and cyberspace. A list may also be found on a blog link below.
http://helpondoyvictims.wordpress.com/where-and-how-to-donate/
Stories of how other Filipinos quickly banded together to help is below:
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/gma/20090926/tph-calls-for-help-flood-cyberspace-as-o-d6cd5cf.html
IMPORTANT:
For the many Filipinos with loved ones working overseas worried about our situation, OWWA is offering communication assistance.
Please text 0917-TXT-OWWA.
Government Agencies & City Relief Hotlines
Philippine National Red Cross
