Milenyo

It’s past midnight and the downpour of rain woke me up. How can I ever get over the fear of strong rains and thunders? I know that with the place we live in right now, i’m safer. But the nightmare of that storm of 2006 continuously haunt me.

It was October of 2006, past 7am when we rushed to work. Seeing the dark clouds and strong winds we never thought that it will be one dreadful day for me. As I reached my office, I realized work was cancelled due to the storm signal. It was difficult for me to travel back home since rain started pouring.  It took me more than an hour and the trip was a bit dangerous. I saw billboard on the streets, some cut trees on the service road and roofs half removed from houses and buildings. Traffic met me along the national road. I can see some houses under flood and some evacuated already. As I reach the village, strong rains keep pouring so decided to shield myself at a convenience store.

It took me quite awhile before reaching home. There was no rain at all and my neighbors are sweeping some leaves on the street. As I changed my clothes, in just 5 mins, I heard people calling me, screaming that I get out. It was then I realized, gushing mud and flood entered the house. I can’t save anything I thought except my bag and myself. It was too fast…in just a minute or two, it was leg deep. Neighbors are calling me to get out. In shock, I locked the doors and decided to climb the fence and hold on to the grills. I feel the rain drops over me.

I was trembling and feel so helpless that no one can save me. Everyone in the village is as shock as I am. But I was all alone, and can’t think of anything more than saving myself. Water went feet high on my position, so I decided to climb the roof of the dog house to elevate myself more, but flood keep coming and I need to look for a higher, safer place.

Thank heavens, rain stopped, and I decided to sit on top of the fence. Everyone was busy saving their things. I was crying  helpless hearing our dogs’ cry. How will I save him when I cant go down myself? Slowly now, the water is getting higher, I can see the windows an inch higher than the mud and flood. I was watching and thinking what to do, I can hear our things one by one falling, the sound of flood gushing are even giving me trembles. My neighbors decided to pull me up to the roof. Everyone I guess are on their roof that moment.

I had bruise and wounds, but safety is most important. I was freezing, and tried to call for help. My daughter called the National Disaster Coordinating Council but I guess even them cant get to help. I was crying when I called my husband. They are helpless I know, but I just needed comfort that very moment.

I was in shock. Half of the house is under water, our dog is struggling, and I am freezing up on the roof, not able to save any of our things. Few more hours and the water subsided, it was dark already and everyone is getting down to check on their houses. Flood was knee high, but since its dark, my neigbors decided to stay in their houses.

My imagination scared me more. What if there are snakes or something that might bite me? Nanay (my elderly neighbor) offered me coffee to warm me up. I remember sitting on a couch’ s arm rest to be able to get my feet higher. I was very tired and sleepy.

It was past 9pm when my husband came with my brother- in- law. Seeing him, I was assured of safety and comfort. I remembered his words, “ I will never get you out of my sight”.  When we checked on the house, we know that there’s so much work to do. And our dog is safe on his place

That night we stayed at my in- laws’ house, was given clothing to keep us comfortable. Storm was gone that night but every drop of rain would keep me awake and I would check on my family if they are around. Just to assure myself that i’m with them and i’m safe.