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The Painful Impact of Ondoy Typhoon

June 22, 2021 | Created by: Andreas Klippe | Comments

Ondoy typhoon

Who would forget how the Ondoy typhoon (international name: Ketsana) brought raging winds and an extended period of torrential rainfall to Metro Manila, Philippines on September 26, 2009? The victims of the calamity could not help but crouch in fear as they got stuck on the roofs of their houses with neither food nor water. And their only choice? Wait for rescue. More than 11 years ago now, but who will forget the horrors of (tropical storm) Ondoy and the 872,097 people who got affected?

For today’s blog, let us look back on that fateful day of September 2009. What really happened? 

A Narrative of Ondoy Typhoon’s Impact

Typhoon Ondoy hit hardest the municipalities, in the eastern part of Metro Manila, which include Marikina and Cainta. 

People were coerced to ascend the roofs while the floodwater was rising to the second level of houses and buildings. 

The trapped women, men, and children were hopelessly crying for water, food, and rescue.

These residents were on the top of their roofs begging for food and water, Ondoy typhoon
These residents were on the top of their roofs begging for food and water. 
The man and the woman struggled to hold tight onto the rope to be rescued from the floodwater, Ondoy typhoon
The man and the woman struggled to hold tight onto the rope to be rescued from the floodwater.

A day before September 26, 2009, Ondoy was not that threatening at all. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Philippine’s Weather Bureau, announced that the affected areas would only be experiencing  Signal Number 1, which was far less menacing than Signal Number 3. As always, several residents began their weekend getting together with their families and eating out with friends. 

It was just like a normal day. 

Many families were not mindful of the storm that was brewing ahead, Ondoy typhoon
Many families were not mindful of the storm that was brewing ahead.

However, the next day, the sun did not shine in the morning and there was nothing but incessant rain. The rising floodwaters overwhelmed the roads and forced a number of people to abandon their vehicles. The abandoned vehicles then caused traffic congestion, which hindered the rescuers from reaching the trapped residents. 

The abandoned cars blocked the way of the rescuers, Ondoy typhoon
The abandoned cars blocked the way of the rescuers.

Over 450,000 people sought shelter in churches, schools, and other evacuation centers.

Bridge over troubled water: People walking on electricity cables to get to another place Bridge over troubled water: People walking on electricity cables to get to another place, Ondoy typhoon 
Bridge over troubled water: People walking on electricity cables to get to another place

The floodwater damaged the generators and water systems. It also destroyed agriculture, as well as private and public infrastructure and property. 

Residences were swallowed and  destroyed by flooding, Ondoy typhoon
Residences were swallowed and  destroyed by flooding

Narratives of Twitter Users on Ondoy

Ten years after the Ondoy typhoon hit the Philippines, netizens shared their own narratives on social media as they recollected their experiences during that horrible day. Here are a few posts from Twitter users:

Twitter user: @CeejayLatosa
@GuchoPRMaven
@GuchoPRMaven

The aforementioned narratives convey how powerful Ondoy really was. Thus, to experience the same incident or worse is something that nobody dares to imagine. Unfortunately, in 2020, typhoon Ulysses (international name: Vamco) inundated large areas in Metro Manila with its torrential rains overnight. The people began asking, “Is this Ondoy Part 2?”

These tropical storms were only a few of those that people from around the world experienced in the past years. Will you turn a blind eye to this?

Don’t Turn a Blind Eye

Philippine famous TV and Radio personality, Arnell Ignacio, experienced a horrifying flood due to Typhoon Ulysses in 2020. This led him to not turning a blind eye to possible flooding, and he decided to have his house floodproofed. 

RS Demountable Flood Barriers that were installed in Arnell Ignacio’s house persisted against water during the Water Test. 

He said in his interview with KLIPP.tv“I would like to share [this message] to our countrymen that you don’t have to live with the flooding problem. We should not accept that it is our fate. There is a solution and I am very fortunate that I found Flood Control Asia [RS Corp.]. I don’t want to live in a place where I would get nervous everytime there is a heavy downpour.”

Arnell’s Satisfaction

Arnell Ignacio’s house has now addressed climate change through German-engineered flood protection. His property is now fully protected with RS Demountable Flood Barriers. 

Now, even if flooding occurs, Arnell Ignacio is confident that he will be able to protect his property and live a happy life without fear of mess, destruction, and danger from the flood. 

These tropical storms were only a few of those that people from around the world experienced in the past years. Will you turn a blind eye on this?

You can consider Arnell as an inspiration. Don’t let another horrible incident like Ondoy typhoon or Ulysses cause your loved ones to get hurt. Do not allow this to destroy the valuables you worked all your life for.

If you want to watch a video of the flood protection project for Arnell’s property, click the “WATCH THE VIDEO” button. 

To consult with a Flood Expert about your flood protection, you may also click the “BOOK A MEETING FOR FREE.”