a storm without a name

Let me take a break from the writing marathon challenge. I agree for not being into blogosphere for over a week because (1) the month-end deadlines are just so pressing and (2) internet connection at home is terrible due to the crazy weather ─ now bringing flash floods to many areas. And wonder why I called it crazy? No sane man want to label it when as for an ordinary civilian like me, if it rains nonstop for consecutive days (and even weeks), then a typhoon, there must be... so the crazy downpour is logically a storm without a name.

Back in 2009, there was this tropical storm named ONDOY.

The whole metro and nearby provinces submerged in flood, hour after hour as the rain continued to drench the land. It happened on a weekend so I was very thankful to be home that time. Dad and my sister (who was still single that time) were separately stranded in pursuit to still come home. We live in a high place that typically doesn’t get flooded no matter how heavy the rain gets. Oh well, even then, we forgot to consider the basin areas surrounding us ─ Pasig, Marikina, Cainta, and all other provinces of Rizal. So the battle went on. We solely relied on news updates through our mobile phones because there was mass blackout that time. After braving the rain, flood and the wind, we were very much thankful to welcome our soldiers, Dad and my sister, at home. Although it took them more than twice the normal travel time from office to home, our gratefulness to have them back, safe and sound, was truly beyond measure.

They both shared their stories about how the flooded places around looked like and soon after the electric power was back, we were surprised of the news about the serious casualties ONDOY has brought us. Hundreds died, many were still missing and numberless lost their houses. I couldn’t number too how many have endured the cold night at their rooftops and hours of empty stomach.

Three years after that ONDOY tragedy came another ordeal bringing not just equally severe,
but more serious damage to many.

I wept while watching the live telecast of children and flood victims being rescued from their submerged homes. There were families buried alive in the safest place they knew. Gladly that electric power was alive all throughout the day, but how disheartening it is to know that there were cases of death too due to electric shock in the streets.

I can’t do anything but look above, from where this great and unnamed cloudburst come. As God tamed the sea in Peter’s time, I believe His power can’t be any lesser to calm the angry sky today. Your message is well received, Lord. Please spare your servants from any hurt brought by this tempest.

Posted in: acts of God,prayers