Help rebuild SIARGAO after the TYPHOON
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Siargao Island, one of the leading tourist destinations in the Philippines due its’ picturesque views, world class surf, and proud local / foreign community. It was just recovering from the pandemic when Typhoon Odette hit the island and altered the course of everyones lives.
THE STORY
A few days before the storm, most people had an idea that this typhoon was not to be taken lightly. Still most people were confident that the Typhoon would veer north and avoid the island as it usually does the past few years. Preparations were done, go bags were packed, windows were barred with thick plywood and roofs were reinforced. People made sure they would have enough food and water for the next few days. Those living near the ocean were asked to evacuate to higher ground in case of storm surges and flash flooding. The population was told to “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst”. No amount of preparation was enough for the wrath of Typhoon Odette. Wind speeds reached up to 240-290 knots, destroying everything and anything in it’s path. The morning of Dec 17, at around 2 am, Typhoon Odette had moved from a category 2 to a category 5 super typhoon. Most of the population proceeded toward evacuation centers and concrete structures for safety. These evacuation efforts would be futile since Odette’s power was enough to destroy the sturdiest of houses. In a matter of a few hours, the Typhoon was able to destroy about 90% of homes and businesses. About 60-70% of plant life would be torn down, cut in half and some even uprooted. Doors flew open, roofs ripped off, shattered glass and flying metal sheets acted as shrapnel causing terror to anyone exposed. The winds were so strong that it felt like an earthquake. Some would even say it felt like they were being bombed from all sides.
THE AFTER TYPHOON
The morning after the typhoon was when everyone realized that the Siargao we all knew and loved was gone. Everything was reduced to rubble. Trees and debris were blocking the roads, electricity and connection was non existent, and food / water rations were limited. The Island population lost their livelyhood.
In the following days, a diarrhea and amebiasis outbreak happened due to the lack of access to potable water. People grew hungry, thirsty, sick and you could feel a sense of mass panic revealing itself.
There is hope. The people of Siargao are not giving up so easy. The Bayanihan Spirit has never been more alive and everyone is trying to help in anyway. Individuals and groups have opened up their kitchens, distributing food, and providing shelter. Many have volunteered to clear roads and homes of their neighbors. With all efforts in this mission to rebuild the island, the remaining resources will eventually deplete. The people of Siargao really need help.
We are amazed by all those who have been actively involved, working tirelessly for the island to shine again. This will be a long process and we are seeing progress daily.
THE GOAL ( Updated 04 January )
People are getting sick, they need the necessities to live:
FOOD, WATER, MEDICINES and CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL is needed to rebuild their homes. Rainy season is upon us shelter is an urgent matter.
Our main goal is to provide materials to rebuild the local homes. Any bit of your help can make a difference. Please don't hesitate to share and help spread the word.
YOU CAN CHECK ALL THE UPDATES AND THE PROCESS HERE : https://www.instagram.com/rescue.siargao/
THE STORY
A few days before the storm, most people had an idea that this typhoon was not to be taken lightly. Still most people were confident that the Typhoon would veer north and avoid the island as it usually does the past few years. Preparations were done, go bags were packed, windows were barred with thick plywood and roofs were reinforced. People made sure they would have enough food and water for the next few days. Those living near the ocean were asked to evacuate to higher ground in case of storm surges and flash flooding. The population was told to “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst”. No amount of preparation was enough for the wrath of Typhoon Odette. Wind speeds reached up to 240-290 knots, destroying everything and anything in it’s path. The morning of Dec 17, at around 2 am, Typhoon Odette had moved from a category 2 to a category 5 super typhoon. Most of the population proceeded toward evacuation centers and concrete structures for safety. These evacuation efforts would be futile since Odette’s power was enough to destroy the sturdiest of houses. In a matter of a few hours, the Typhoon was able to destroy about 90% of homes and businesses. About 60-70% of plant life would be torn down, cut in half and some even uprooted. Doors flew open, roofs ripped off, shattered glass and flying metal sheets acted as shrapnel causing terror to anyone exposed. The winds were so strong that it felt like an earthquake. Some would even say it felt like they were being bombed from all sides.
THE AFTER TYPHOON
The morning after the typhoon was when everyone realized that the Siargao we all knew and loved was gone. Everything was reduced to rubble. Trees and debris were blocking the roads, electricity and connection was non existent, and food / water rations were limited. The Island population lost their livelyhood.
In the following days, a diarrhea and amebiasis outbreak happened due to the lack of access to potable water. People grew hungry, thirsty, sick and you could feel a sense of mass panic revealing itself.
There is hope. The people of Siargao are not giving up so easy. The Bayanihan Spirit has never been more alive and everyone is trying to help in anyway. Individuals and groups have opened up their kitchens, distributing food, and providing shelter. Many have volunteered to clear roads and homes of their neighbors. With all efforts in this mission to rebuild the island, the remaining resources will eventually deplete. The people of Siargao really need help.
We are amazed by all those who have been actively involved, working tirelessly for the island to shine again. This will be a long process and we are seeing progress daily.
THE GOAL ( Updated 04 January )
People are getting sick, they need the necessities to live:
FOOD, WATER, MEDICINES and CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL is needed to rebuild their homes. Rainy season is upon us shelter is an urgent matter.
Our main goal is to provide materials to rebuild the local homes. Any bit of your help can make a difference. Please don't hesitate to share and help spread the word.
YOU CAN CHECK ALL THE UPDATES AND THE PROCESS HERE : https://www.instagram.com/rescue.siargao/
No words can express how thankful we are. A simple act of kindness can ripple out and create an ocean of prosperity in the world.
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
Organizer
Tu Nga Nguyen
Organizer
Dardilly
