“Habagat” Flooding in Marikina

Once again, our family was among the victims of flooding in Marikina. After almost three years, the Ondoy-flooding scenario returned to my beloved city engulfing our community, our homes, with floodwater and later, with mud.

The monsoon rain, simply called “Habagat,” hit Metro Manila this August 7, 2012 and lasted for almost a week. Marikina is among the badly hit cities where flooding reached to 21 meters above sea level. Marikina’s early warning system (EWS) is based on the water level gauge situated in the river and the siren for the first alarm or alarm level 1 is sounded when the water level reached 15 meters. The 21 meter-water level of  ”Habagat” is beyond the highest alarm level which is third alarm or alarm level 3 for 17-meter water level.

Here are my personal shots during the onslaught of Habagat:

caption: The flooding outside of our house before we evacuated.

caption: Nangka, Marikina residents watching the Marines getting ready for their water search and rescue mission.

caption: The flood water was almost the height of the roof of the Camacho, Nangka covered court.

caption: Relief Operation of the Marikina LGU.

caption: Evacuees at Nangka Elementary School. It’s God’s wonder how Marikenyos still manage smiles even during challenging times such this.

caption: Our things the morning after the first strike of Habagat. We had to do a second clean-up of these stuff when the floodwater returned in the evening.

caption: An upside-down car turned over by the floodwater along the road leading to our community. During Ondoy, at least five vehicles looking like this were on this same road.

Looking at the positive side, probably because of mitigation measures done by the LGU and the residents themselves, there was no casualty in the city due to “Habagat.”

I also would like to thank the Lord for the overflowing blessings from relatives and friends who have sent their concerns  during the raining and flooding and to those who have donated goods, clothing and beddings to our family. These donations came a long way as we have spread the love to our relatives and friends who were worst hit than us (who lost everything they own in the recent flooding ). To all of you, most especially to Madam “B” and Madam “J” who helped us during Ondoy and still, without me asking for it, extended their help once again, thank you so much for being among our family’s blessings. Special thanks also to our dear brothers Emil and Rodge for opening their homes to our family and not once making us feel it’s not our own home. You people showed me how true Christians should act as “faith without deeds is dead.”

To my fellow Marikenyos, remember that these kind of flooding is now perceived as the “new normal.” What we thought to be a phenomenal flooding that will occur only every 100 or so years is now a regular phenomenon during rainy season. Be alert and prepare for the worst-case scenario. Above all, pray and trust God.

God bless us all.

 …

Want Marikenya.com Articles in Your Email Inbox? Subscribe Now!

Enter your email address:

Read More Interesting Articles.

--> If you liked Marikenya.com, the author or her works, you may want to help grow Marikenya's Education Fund for her Son by donating any amount through PayPal or Credit Card by clicking the DONATE button. Thanks!