SENDONG

December 17, 2011

A few days ago may have been the worst disaster that struck Negros Oriental to date. It’s crazy when you call it as a “disaster” ‘coz every person here wasn’t really familiar with it until now. For years, the worst that we had before this wasn’t even close.

According to a radio reporter, all it took was just 15 minutes for everything to happen. And by everything, that includes the strong rain, the flash flood and the loss of properties and life. Imagine returning to your home after a dawn mass and meeting, and feeling like having a good sleep. A couple of minutes later, your brother wakes you up and let’s you check the creek beside your house. Familiar with the infinity pool? It sure looks like it. And right there and then, you feel alarmed. 

At first I got worried about the water coming into the house but everyone assured me that it wouldn’t reach any nearer since the current is in a different direction. We knew our house was safe, but other places weren’t. My brother and I decided to check on flood-prone areas (just like what we did last Feb7,2009) and to our horror…

Well, these aren’t exactly what we saw since I didn’t get the chance to take pictures. The one above, we got to see when we visited Sinta’s place.

There were more damages than what I just showed you guys. I swear I could name them one by one since we literally drove past the most affected areas that day. But just trust me when I say it looks horrible, okay? Besides, it’s all over the news these days. 

Usually, it is during these worst times that leave you question why this is happening and why people have to die this way. But most importantly, this tragic situation is a reminder of our “collective responsibility” (term from Father Boy) as caretakers of our place. Sometimes, we get too caught up with everything else that we paid no attention to what is relevant. Sometimes, we take things for granted. Sometimes, we do not really care. 

It is also a reminder that we are not in control of everything and that we always have to be prepared for whatever that comes our way. We tend to be all-knowing and superior, but let this tragedy makes us realize that we aren’t as strong and sufficient as we thought we are.

Sendong is a firm memento of the humility we once had but we overlooked for a while. And may we always remind ourselves of this by heart…

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families who were affected by the typhoon all over the Philippines, especially those who lost their loved ones. May you find peace in your hearts despite all the circumstances.

P.S. Got the pictures from Sinta. Did not ask permission. I’m doomed.

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