Super typhoons in our midst

My “baby” is 8 years old today. Days earlier we had already decided to have him be absent from school as we wanted to spend his special day together. But it turns out classes are also suspended today as super typhoon ‘Yoyong’ (international code name Nanmadol) is reaching our shores today. So depressing considering that its coming fast on the heels of other storms which wreaked havoc on so many provinces just a few days back. As of this writing, its storm signal no. 4 in Catanduanes! ‘Yoyong’ is a super typhoon indeed.

Thanksgiving was just a few days back, and what better way to show thanks for the blessings we have, than to share those blessings with people who lost their homes, clothes, etc. You only need to read the newspaper and watch the news reports to see the devastating effects of the past storms. So many people lost all their belongings, some even their lives! Imagine, storm “Winnie’s” death toll has already reached 500! Tsk, tsk, tsk…

Below is an email I received from one of my egroups, requesting for donations for the victims in Dingalan, Aurora province. Please read on, and if you can help, please do so.

Subject: [diversions] clothing drive for landslide victims again

Friends,

Again an SOS from the townsfolk of Dingalan, Aurora province. They have been hit by 2 consecutive typhoons and the 3rd one on the way has the same area in its path.

According to my friend who called the tragedy goes beyond what happened in Southern Leyte last year, but since the province is remote, no media has been on the ground to cover it. But the appeal is the same, they have lost their homes and their families, escaping only with clothes on their backs.

So since Christmas is upon us can we look into our closets and those especially of our kids to sort through the stuff that will be replaced by new gifts. Clothes, old toys, shoes are all needed.

Please put them in bags or boxes marked for Aurora victims. You can drop it off at:
The Royal Plaza lobby
648 Remedios st. Malate, Manila.

For those who are donating clothing and other items for typhoon victims, here is another drop-off point along EDSA, Makati:

FMW (Filipino Migrants Workers)
3rd Flr. Parchouse II
EDSA Guadalupe (near Chowking, the pink bldg and tallest along that side, before Guadalupe Commercial Center)
Look for Mr. Jun Aguilar or any of his staff

Please indicate in the bags name of donors. Let's all extend our help to our kababayans in need...