After the Storm

I thought I was prepared to hear the stories and see the images in Ondoy’s aftermath. But nothing could have prepared me for what I’ve seen in the past few days.

Heartbreaking images of dead bodies. Old folks and little children navigating deep waters. Families carried away by a raging river. Amidst everything, throngs of people helping each other in any way they can.

Time and again, moments like these, make me ask why.

At the same time, it makes me appreciate simple basic things in life, water, shelter and food.

It will take some time before things go back to normal. And yet for some who have lost their loved ones, normalcy is far in the horizon.

Help may not have come too soon for those who have waited for several hours in the cold, starving and wet. And all they can do is hope that help is on the way.

Now may not be the time to point fingers on who to blame. And yet, who can blame one who has lost everything? The process of rebuilding is a long, arduous road which requires a concerted effort from the government and the whole community. But where do you start?

I initially believed Bayanihan spirit will carry us through. And so far, it has worked wonders with aid pouring in from all sectors.

While our fellowmen grapple to hang on to something, we can offer our resources to the victims, hoping that the helping hand we lend will serve as anchor that can provide solace in these dark and trying times.