TYPHOON “FRANK” RAVAGED PANAY

By Jane Tristeza

The provinces of Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz and Antique as well as Iloilo City, were placed under a state of calamity as the death toll from the powerful sweep by Typhoon Frank mounted last Saturday, June 21, 2008 early in the morning. Many people were caught unprepared when typhoon Frank unleashed violent winds and monstrous floods.

Communications were cut off by the week end typhoon that left at least 163 people dead and flooded communities. Most of the victims drowned in floods, and the major concern of our local government is how to prevent outbreak of diseases especially water born illnesses and respiratory tract infections. They were hospitals which were also damaged.

Elsewhere in the Visayas, Frank left many lives destroyed and over 200 missing. While displacing thousands of families in Negros Occidental, Cebu and Eastern Visayas.

Several Schools and Churches served as evacuation centers for the victims, like the Iloilo National High School and Jaro Cathedral. An estimation of 198, 545 persons here in Iloilo City are in evacuation centers as 135 out of 180 barangays were flooded.

In the face of the widespread destruction wrought by Frank, the victims sought refuge and help from those people who were not affected by the typhoon. The unaffected ones were motivated by their hearts to do their charitable acts. They unselfishly donated canned goods, used clothing, money other ready-to-eat food and water.

The flooding was a result of man's abuses to our forest. It is also a result of climate change. It is time for us to save our environment. It is an urgent alarm for all of us to restore the gradual destruction of our environment.

We have experienced the worst tragedy in Western Visayas. We should have a high regard for the value of human life.

Recently, there is no sign of life for those who are still missing. The hopes of their families began to fade. Their faith started to quiver. This calamity has destroyed the beautiful sight of our environment and mother earth is suffering because of our collective greed.

Behind our happiness, there are sorrows, but there is our dear loving Father who looks down on us in accordance to His will, He allowed this calamity to happen. It is his special purpose so that we human beings will be reminded if our sinfulness, our irresponsible attitude in taking of his creations.

We are his earth keepers of his wonderful creations. Let us cooperate hand in hand in achieving progress, harmony and national development. God always looks down and yet we have to do our part first.

In response to Christian responsibility and mission, members of Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus Educative Family extend their generous help to the victims of the said calamity. As one big family, the students, parents, faculty and staff donated essential needs for survival, like canned goods, usable clothing, money and water. Some other teachers and students volunteered to visit and see the situation of those who were greatly affected. We the members of Hijas de Jesus will continue to live out the teachings of Jesus and the inspiration of Mother Candida in our lives that serves as remnants of a true CHJian spirit.

A MESSAGE FROM TYPHOON FRANK
By: Sahar Omar Al Abdalla

June 21, 2008, Saturday morning, typhoon Frank [Fengshen] hit the borders of Iloilo City flooding almost all of Panay and destroying millions of pesos worth of homes, bridges, buildings and other infrastructures. With winds raging at about 170 kilometers per hour, Frank swept away houses and rooftop leaving hundreds of families homeless, many children sick and injured, and again hundreds of lives lost and still missing.

Ships such as M/V Lake Paoay from Simirara Island and Princess of the Stars in Romblon sunk because of mighty waves that have left hundreds of crew members and passengers dead and many are still missing. Yet even with the destruction brought about by this great calamity, the people did not lose hope in finding ways how to help and support their Filipinos brother and sisters who were physically and emotionally affected. Risking their own health and lives, many willing souls volunteered to help save the lives of the victims from the heavy current of the flood that swept away houses, trees and even animals and livestock from all around the province.

NAWASA pipe lines which supplies Iloilo City and nearby towns with potable water were heavily damaged, hence there is shortage of water all over the place. Metro Iloilo Water District officially announced their normal operation will resume if they can fully repair all the damages. Estimated time frame is within 4 – 6 months.

Typhoon Frank has left a message not only to the Iloilo citizens, but to the whole world as well. The great destruction it has brought about has pierced the hearts of so many concerned people all over the world and prayers stream up to God once again. We have not been punished, but reminded that God still loves his children. In today's chaotic world, who would believe love still reigns. That love has truly been shown to us through the concerns and help of people, especially those who have risked their lives on that fateful day; the day we were given a message from the almighty Father through the horrific Typhoon Frank.

In reply to the urgent needs of our fellow brothers and sisters who are in the deepest need of our support, help and care, Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus sent prayers of love and compassion not only for the physically injured and materially weak people, but also to those who are emotionally and spiritually in need. Students and teachers have also been given a day for reflection and prayer so that we may be aware of the reality and the power of mother earth and cast upon in any place at any time. CHJ has continued to show love and service through simple donations of relief goods, clothing and even monetary donations.

Indeed, our hearts were touched deeply and our minds re-awakened to the endless need of love, faith and compassion that our world is in dire need of.