Yesterday’s typhoon rained floods upon the metro, leaving many civilians needing rescue.
Metro Manila was put under a state of calamity on Wednesday, July 24, due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), over 800,000 individuals from 686 barangays were affected by the heavy rains and floods.
Because of this, many rescuers—including volunteers and fellow neighbors—came to the aid of those stranded in their homes, vehicles, and other establishments.
READ ALSO: Call For Support: Donation Drives To Help Those Affected By Typhoon Carina
Braving the Flood
From the radio to social media, civilians were calling for help as the floods continued to rise. Gerald Anderson, actor and military reservist, drew attention as he was seen joining the rescue efforts in Quezon City.
As an active member of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) unit since 2016, Anderson is no stranger to calamities such as Typhoon Carina. Back in September 2009, he was also involved in rescuing civilians during Typhoon Ondoy.
In a post circulating online, Rachelle Joy Kabayao shared her sister’s video of Anderson helping their family out of their flooded home. The actor is seen standing in chest-deep water, carrying a child in a pink raincoat.
Kabayao told ABS-CBN that her family had been waiting for three hours before Anderson and some other people came to help. A few hours later, Kabayao updated that her family was safe, taking shelter in Anderson’s basketball court.
A separate video showed the actor wading through the flood while pulling an inflatable pool, carrying children and animals. Similar scenes unfolded throughout the day and well into the night as rescuers tirelessly aided stranded individuals and families.
Also in Quezon City, actor-singer Ronnie Liang participated in rescue operations by boat, acting on his duty as a reservist of the Philippine Army.
Temporary Shelter
Several establishments opened their doors for the typhoon victims, as the usual evacuation centers filled up. PHLPost turned its post offices and hubs into temporary shelters for those affected. They have also dispatched mailer trucks to aid in the rescue and relief efforts.
Schools such as the Ateneo de Manila University and the Adamson University turned into evacuation centers for staff, students, and their families. The University of the Philippines also offered refuge for everyone living in the area.
Huge malls such as SM, Robinsons, and several Ayala Malls branches also accommodated those who were seeking temporary shelter from the heavy rainfall and flooding. They waived overnight parking fees, provided free Wi-Fi, and charging stations.
Ongoing Relief Efforts
Since yesterday, Filipinos have already been focusing on relief efforts, packing and handing out essential items to those in need.
Actor David Chua, a Philippine Air Force reservist, has been going around Tondo, Manila to distribute rice, noodles, and canned goods to affected families in the area.
TV hosts Shaira Diaz and Suzi Entrata-Abrera were in Taytay, Rizal today. Along with the GMA Kapuso Foundation, they distributed meals and relief packs at an evacuation center.
Rocco Nacino and Enzo Pineda, both military reservists, also packed and distributed relief goods. Nacino was at the GMA Kapuso Foundation warehouse alongside other members of the army.
As Typhoon Carina exits the Philippine area of responsibility, many of our fellow countrymen are still in need of aid. To see how you can help, here is a list of active donation drives for victims of the typhoon.
Banner image by Ave Calvar Martinez via Pexels.
