I almost died yesterday...
By angryeve
@angryeve (684)
Philippines
September 27, 2009 6:29am CST
We had experience a signal 2 storm here in my country, flooding almost every street on the capital region as well as on the other provinces nearby. Although the storm wasn't that scary, compare to others that we have experienced in the past, it was raining non-stop causing all that flood. In my whole life this was my first time to see our street was flooded. Our place was sort of a high land, so no matter how strong the storm gets, we never get flooded here.
But yesterday was different, we saw from our terrace that a lot of our neighbor's car was almost not visible already, only seeing the top of it. Only yesterday did we noticed that the land where our house is, is even higher than the others in our subdivision. The flood got into our driveway and just up the wheels on our car. During that time we were complaining already cause the power was intentionally turned off in our area to avoid further accidents. There's nothing to do, no tv, no computer, no anything. I almost died out of boredom yesterday...
But just this morning as we were able to contact our friends and relatives, we just felt so lucky about the whole thing. Among the people we know, we were the only ones who didn't experience getting water inside the house. My grandma who lives just 2 blocks away from our house said that the flood they had were just 2 inches short before reaching the floor on the 2nd floor. One of our relatives on the other hand, had experience even worse, saying that the water got up to their neck. And they were just standing there, waiting for the storm to stop. They were helpless really at that time. Now they have to buy a new set of things and appliances.. since everything was destroyed during the storm.
That's when I realized, that it was really stupid of me to be complaining about getting bored yesterday when a lot of people were actually experiencing a near death situation.
If you happen to be on this kind of situation where the water is like 5 feet deep already and there are no available rescuer, what would you do?
4 people like this
24 responses
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
28 Sep 09
Wow! There are situations where you think that we are bad off, or we're bored, and we really think we have a reason to be until we've heard about somebody who's had it worse off. For myself, If we were to experience a bad flood and could not be rescued by people trained to rescue us, I would do as much as I could to rescue. I would assess the situation and make sure that all were aware of my assessment and offered their opinions. Of course if we had no time to assess we would do the best we could to get to higher ground, even if that meant to climb on our roof! We would be sure to secure all animals and if this were to be when my husband and I have children, we would secure all people and animals that could not secure themselves!
1 person likes this
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Hi somecowgirl, well I wish if that happens again here I'd still be able to remember what you said.lol Or even just a bit of it cause I really have a high tendency to panic. I know on times like that the best thing to first do is not to panic. But sometimes even after planning the whole thing, when that time comes, your brain suddenly gets blank.
2 people like this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
7 Oct 09
Yes when it comes down to it, if your panicked your most likely not going to remember everything you'd gone over, and also there are times when you can't do those things you went over for whatever reason.
Hoping that a flood never gets that bad for either of us!
Have a wonderful day!
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
11 Oct 09
Exactly, I guess that's the reason why a lot of people commit mistakes even on simple things when experiencing some danger or calamity. They just sudden went blank no matter how many times they have rehearsed the plan over their heads. Like for example a fire happens, some people totally forget about going on the fire exit.. Anyway, I'm me and my family is safe. We were very lucky that we didn't experienced getting flooded inside our house like many had during that storm.
1 person likes this
@ayenacsi (910)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
You are fortunate indeed. I am also thankful that my own family was safe yesterday and we didn't experience the flood. The news was really depressing and all we could do is pray for them. My mom wanted me to sort out the clothes that we don't need anymore so we could donate them. But here I am instead 
, I'll get to that later.
Prayers are welcome too right ? 
I wouldn't know what to do. And I wouldn't want to imagine all that happening to me and my family, I'd be lost and maybe I would just cry 
. But it is during these circumstances that people find extra strength to overcome any obstacle.
, I'll get to that later.
Prayers are welcome too right ?
I wouldn't know what to do. And I wouldn't want to imagine all that happening to me and my family, I'd be lost and maybe I would just cry . But it is during these circumstances that people find extra strength to overcome any obstacle.1 person likes this
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Hi ayenacsi, haha don't feel guilty at all. Being addicted to mylot is totally understandable.lol But seriously, your mom's idea was great. Cause I'm pretty sure a lot of people had lost almost everything from the flood. It's not easy to buy new things especially if we're talking about buying almost everything you need. And I agree, we really need to pray for them to be okay, since we were one of the few who were lucky enough to have not experience such misfortune.
@robert19ph (4577)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
hello angryeve,
i think the best thing to do is to get canned goods or food, water, blanket or something that make us warm, cellphone so we can call for help and save ourselves go to the ceiling while waiting for the rescue team. maybe we can help some friends and neighbors to join us in the roof if it is happen that our house is higher than them.
you are so lucky that your house is located in a higher place and that you are not affected much except that you don't have electricity unlike the others.
@robert19ph (4577)
• Philippines
30 Sep 09
. It seems the new storm (PEPENG) is not going to hit inland based on CNN forecast. But other weather stations said it path will hit Luzon. I hope it doesn't.
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Hi robert, I agree I think that is a very good plan. The only question is if I will be able to do that if another calamity hits us again. i tend to easily panic, hehe I know that is not right. But i guess if I wanna live longer and keep my family safe i have to orient myself over and over til I get it stuck on my head.lol
1 person likes this
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
29 Sep 09
Hi robert, well thinking of something beautiful is kinda hard if you're in a middle of a calamity.lol I don't think I'll be able to do that.hahaha
I just saw on the news last night that there's another storm coming sometime tomorrow. I haven't checked the news again yet but I sure hope it would go somewhere else. I guess if that is really gonna hit us, I have to really really stop panicking.lol
1 person likes this
@CALLIBAN (278)
• Portugal
28 Sep 09
:(
I knew about that storm. Someone from your country opened a discussion about it, a kind of a prayer for our friends that live there.
Your question...well, to be honest I can´t imagine myself in that situation. When tv shows natural disasters like that ones, it breaks my hearth to see people in boats near what was once their home. Lifes destroyed in a matter of minutes. :(
I guess I would just wait for help in the better place I could find with my loved ones and with all the food I could get.
I am glad you are both okay ...
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Haha yah your country is definitely much safer during the typhoon. But we just never thought it was possible that a storm not that strong could actually flood almost all areas. Some say that there were some places that it totally looked like a beach already. Wow now that was really scary. But as of our house, we still kinda feel safe cause we could always go up to the next floor if things got worst. hehe
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Hi calliban, well it has been the talk of the town. Like I said a lot of people here were not prepared simply because we have been through a lot of strong typhoons before but the one that hit us the other day was totally different. It was really scary. By the way, we are safe and I'm glad about it too. =)
@aerous (13434)
• Philippines
29 Sep 09
Before, I give my views eve. Like first to say, thanks for being survive in that particular disaster was hit in our country particularly in most areas in Metro Manila.
Were here in Sampaloc Area, not much experience like those affected in Pasig, Rizal, Marikina, and some part in Quezon City. Even do the floods is really so high. We are not experiencing like floods in other areas that labeling five feet or strong current flow of water...We are so sad in that past experience. We do hope that is not happen again but if the Government, will not a lot of concern in our country I think there is another greater disaster than this...
Well since we are safe in our area. We don't feel any worries of being flooded but worries about foods and drinks. There is no available foods in the market and even stores because of high floods.
I think if I will be in that situation. Instead of complaining, just pray and look for a better place to be safe...
Have a nice day!
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
29 Sep 09
Hi aerous, yes, I agree we really have to be thankful for a lot of reason, especially being one of the few who was fortunate enough to not experience having our house filled with water and for not having to climb up to the top of our roofs.
You said you live in sampaloc, I thought that place gets easily flooded. Well, I'm happy that you too are okay. I hope your friends and other relatives are safe as well. =)
And praying is one thing that everyone must do first. It is much stronger than anything or any option available.
@saluyot (63)
• Philippines
27 Sep 09
that sept. 26 flood is really terrible, almost a deluge. who expects that a 3-hour rain could pour so much water? let's just be thankful that it's over and that there are less casualties although damaged properties could run into billion of pesos. but lives are far more precious than those earthly possessions...
1 person likes this
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
27 Sep 09
Hi saluyot, I agree we should be thanking more for being still alive rather than being frustrated with the things that got broken by the flood. Although I can't judge anyone who really experienced getting all their stuff ruined by the storm if they feel so unlucky and a bit frustrated. This is really sad but at least like you said, there were less casualties.
1 person likes this
@angiemabute (358)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
I'm also from the Philippines, from Manila. The rain has never stopped for almost 6 hours. It has been said that it was the most longest rain that happen, rainfall in a month. I'm so thankful that our house has not been flooded compared to others who lost their properties, loved ones and electricity. I was just inside the house watching news about the typhoon.
@angiemabute (358)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Yes, I even had time to sleep and watch DVD. I saw in the news about Quiapo and even in Lagusnilad in city hall. I feel lucky that I was not able to experience the damage of Ondoy. Hope you and your family are okay and safe.
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Hi angiemabute, what did you say??? You were just inside the house and watching the news!!! THAT IS SO UNFAIR! hahaha We didn't have any electricity for like more than 24 hours. The battery on my laptop was only good for 2 hours, so just imagine the boredom. But then again, I felt really really lucky when i started hearing others stories. I feel bad for all those people who really got affected by the typhoon. I'm pretty sure its not that easy for them to get their lives back on track when almost nothing is left. I'm happy to hear you are safe too. By the way, there are lots of places in Manila that easily get flooded without even needing a storm. you are lucky that your place didn't experienced getting flood inside your house. I heard Lerma the overpass near Quiapo looks already like a river. Now that was totally scary.
@kmaram (2533)
• Philippines
5 Oct 09
I am sorry to hear this my friend, I am away for a couple of days already facing difficulties in my life. I dont know what to say at this time because i am so hopeless. I really dont know what to say to you but i am glad that nothing happened to you I saw in the news what happened in our kababayan;s in many part of Metro Manila. Now that i am facing my own problem i dont know if i have to complain because other people experiencing bad at this time also and maybe their problem is much worst than me. I really dont know what to say and i dont think i am in the mood to work i hope i can talk to you privately and ask for advices, =)
@Ingkingderders (3832)
• Philippines
27 Sep 09
our house was also flooded yesterday, around a foot of water go inside the house, outside on the streets, I think it was almost 3 feet... well, we were really grateful that the rain has stopped just in time before the water reaches our beds... We were listening to the radio all the while and we were really shocked by the reports that were coming in about floods reaching the roofs of other houses in the City.. it's really sad that this happened.. let's just pray that everyone would be safe soon.
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
27 Sep 09
Hi inkingderders, I think you really are still lucky. Hope none of your appliances at home got broken by the flood. And just imagine if the water got up on your beds. That could really be annoying and stressful. Just imagine what other people are going through right now, especially that ones who really got flooded out.. =( I agree, let's just pray and hope for the best. =)
@Ingkingderders (3832)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
I know.. whenever I see all the videos and images on television, I can't help but be more thankful that nothing bad happened to our family.. I mean a foot of water is nothing compared to those who had to endure floods that reaches their roofs.. This event really makes me more grateful of all the blessings that I have.
@wookieekyut (673)
• Philippines
5 Oct 09
When I was young, flood was a yearly thing in my hometown. We were used to it. It would always be knee to chest deep. I still remember catching relief goods from helicopters. So far, the deepest was chest deep.
In case this thing happens here in my present place and the water goes five feet, the first thing I will do is to get to a higher place even before it goes that deep. I won't wait till I get stranded and there's nothing more to do.
I will take my kids to a safer place....
@wookieekyut (673)
• Philippines
12 Oct 09
No, I wasn't on the roof then. As I have said, the deepest was only knee to chest deep. It never went 2 storey high. I was still a child then and we would be given relief goods from helicopters because stores were closed.
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
21 Oct 09
Hi wookie!!! hahaha sorry I kinda felt stupid for thinking that way.lol I tend to exaggerate when I get so curious..haha I can't stop laughing at myself right now since it was really funny for me to ask if you were on the roof when the water was just on the knee level..LOL LOL LOL Please understand that this is one side effect of being online for more than 12 hours daily.. your brain tends to malfunction..haha
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
11 Oct 09
Hi wookieekyut, I checked your profile and learned that we are in the same country. Relief goods, water up to chest level - no wonder.lol It's very common at some places here in our country which I really find very sad. I mean that's not very easy to cope up with. And you say you actually experienced this, I think you really are tough and I admire you for that. But I hope you don't experience this anymore in your hometown.
By the way when you said, that you were catching relief goods from helicopters, did you mean you were at the roof? Wow, that must have been a terrible experience, especially if you have kids with you.
@stephon8 (300)
• Philippines
27 Sep 09
Are you ok? how's your baby? omg.. is your grandma alright? wth, i felt same way too we got so bored last night that we actually went to trinoma only to find out that it is closed. only now i realized that it causes heavy damage and i felt guilty too. thank god that we don't get affected much here, the electricity went back middle of the night and no floods. keep safe eve or eva...LOL no, seriously be safe
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
27 Sep 09
Hi constantine, hahaha you even tried to go to trinoma.lol That is totally hilarious, when a lot of people are trying to save their lives and there you are trying to go to a mall.lol But I'm sure that's only because you thought its just another storm, it'll pass like nothing happened. Cause that was what I was thinking yesterday, I really didn't know how serious everything was that time. By the way, how did you get home, cause I've heard that a lot of cars got stuck on the streets yesterday.
About my grandparents, thank God they were alright. But I doubt that they will be if the rain didn't stop. I can't imagine how we would have felt if anything wrong happens to them. We just didn't thought it would get that far and life threatening. I mean this is the first time we experienced flood in our area that's why we all are so unprepared for situation like this. As of my daughter and I, we weren't harm at all since the water was just on our driveway. We really are lucky. =)
@stephon8 (300)
• Philippines
27 Sep 09
yah we did go to trinoma, since we don't have an electricity we decided to go there to eat. we really taught that it is just an typical rainfall until we actually see it on tv this morning the damage it causes. you can see guilt in all of our face and total shocked...were like wowed.
it's good to hear that your family is safe, im worried about the baby cause they are the most vulnerable in this kind of situation.
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
27 Sep 09
I think a lot of us who were fortunate enough felt really guilty after learning how worst the storm was for some people. I guess this is a lesson for all of us, not to underestimate storms and always try to prepare ourselves the worst.
By the way did you use your jet-ski yesterday going to the mall, I think that will take you way much faster there.lol
@fedmich (97)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Sorry to hear that but is glad at the same time that you are ok.
we are from Las Pinas, and the flood here isnt as high as it is in there.
it was only as high as our hips.
Good luck and we pray for those who passed away and have lost their homes and we hope that it never happen to us again.
Mabuhay!
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
I can't imagine what I would do if I was in the middle of a 6 ft deep flood. And to think that a lot of our kababayans here have even experienced the worst like getting on their roofs.
By the way you said, the water was around your hips already. So what did you do? And And did you lose a lot of your appliances as well?
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Hi fedmich, wow water around your hips is still high and scary cause who have no idea what creature is under you or swimming with you.hehe I always imagine that there are snakes there, not to mention rats who are so famous on swimming on floods.lol But yes, we really need to pray for others. Situation like this was never easy. =(
@cutepink_13 (691)
•
13 Oct 09
i hope that you already recovered from the very devastating storms who recently visited our country.
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
21 Oct 09
Hi cutepink, actually I was one of the lucky ones who didn't got affected by the storm.. We were lucky enough that our house was on a higher land, which we thank a lot for. We didn't experience any flood coming inside our house or anything else that could have been a hassle like a lot of people have experienced during that time. I just hope nothing like that would happen again. It was really one of the worst storm ever..
@lyka28 (9)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Hi,agryeve honestly i'm new in myslot but i really find it more interesting than other coz anyone can join the discussion freely...i agree for tha fact that we're so very blessed and lucky for not having the situation of our some kababayans that really suffer alot from typhoon.and i think we should be thankful coz we're safe and that's the most important...let's be united in prayers for those who suffer alot i wish everthing will be ok soon.
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Hi lyka28, welcome to mylot. And I agree about you can just join any discussion here, that's actually one of the reason why mylot is so addicting. You just choose whatever topic and butt in.lol Besides a lot of mylotters here are very very nice. I'm sure you'll really like it here. Anyway, back to the real topic hehe.. yes, we really are lucky. I mean I know I kinda realize that the day after the storm since during the typhoon I was like complaining that I'm bored - really stupid of me to feel. But when I learned how worst a lot of people have experience, no doubt I have no right to complain about my situation. We didn't lose a single belonging. We are so lucky. =)
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Don't worry, mylot is a bit confusing only at first. But once you get the hang of it and of course after learning the do's and dont's here, you'll be fine. Try to read the mylot section, almost everything you need is there. And if there's something you wanna ask and couldn't find it in the faq section, then just ask a fellow mylotter like me.hehe We are always happy to help someone since we are such a mylot addicts. =)
@tholitz (1127)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Hi angryeve!
I understand your initial reaction of boredom. It is weekend, this is the time that we usually spend a lot of time just relaxing and enjoying as much as possible and allowed time to goes by. Also the lack of information on what's been happening around us have made your initial reaction of boredom.
Just like you, our place is located in a higher elevation of land and thank God that we were not affected by floods. But in case I will be in that situation, I will gather the essential things that I will be needing such as food, water, towel and blanket, flashlight, cellphone, etc. and will climb up to the highest place of the house. It's so good that we have now the technology to contact some person who could help us through our cellphone. Beside from this I think what we could do is just pray and wait for the nature to calm down and rescuer to come to us.
Have a nice day!
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Hi tholitz, thanks for somehow defending me on my stubborn feeling of boredom that time. And I agree the lack of information on how worst things really are outside our house mad us less thankful of what we are going through. I'm glad that you're fine as well and didn't get any flood inside your house.
I have been receiving comments from people who was lucky enough to be not that affected by the storm, I think the reason why other mylotters who really got affected either got their computer broken or simply faced now with a lot of problems. I hope that everything will be back to normal for those who really got it bad. =(
@ahna09 (106)
• Philippines
27 Sep 09
well...,lucky me and my family...
our location is high and i think it also have good drainage...
ever since it never flood in here...even if we are in signal no. 1, or 2.. and that even if the rain is really non-stop...
i had also taught of boredom yesterday..
because we don't electricity...
but as i heard the news in the radio using my cellphone my heart ache
i cant imagine what is happening outside...
i heard that the flood was very high and people need to go to their roofs to keep their selves alive...even babies.,small children.,very old age person.,are in the roof...and rain still wont stop...
helpless people are stranded there...
i cant sleep thinking...are the rescuers able to save them...?
i also heard that many people are stranded in the malls...,schools.,and even in their cars.....starving...
oh my...if i where in that situation..
i don't know what would i do...except for sure that I'm gonna pray...
pray to GOD to save me...in terms of being still alive or save my soul whenever i die...
i know GOD have better plans...and that lessons should be learned from this experience...
praise GOD that you too...and your family and relatives are save...
always take care...
more power...
GOD BLESS...
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
27 Sep 09
Hi ahna09, yes I think a good drainage system would somehow help. But we also have a very good drainage here working and still the streets ended up getting flooded considering we also are located in a high land. I'm happy to hear you are safe, and I guess a lot of the survivors are really thankful for that too. It's just sad to hear that there are people who were forced to go up to their roofs with their babies and all. And I believe at times like this, prayer is one of the best first step to make before doing anything else. I hope nothing like this would happen any time soon. But it wouldn't hurt us if we were more prepared. Thank God that both our families are safe. =)
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Hi suzzy3, yah I would have panic myself, since I easily do whenever I'm faced to some situation that is not familiar with like being in the middle of a flood. That is totally terrifying thinking that you're swimming with just about anything, snakes, rats or getting electrocuted. I would never wish that for anyone to experience not even to my worst enemy.
1 person likes this
@jules67 (2788)
• Philippines
27 Sep 09
Ondoy gave us non-stop raining last Saturday which caused flooding. What was even worst was the opening of a number of dams which aggravated the flooding. If you were able to notice the current of the water from yesterday's flooding, it was so intense. One of our neighbor's dogs got driven away so fast of the current that he was not able to swim. Yesterday was really different. The water took a longer time to recede. Unlike in the previous typhoons that we had, it receded easily, now it took longer than 5 hours. This could be a sign to us Filipinos to be mindful of our surroundings. We should take care of our planet earth. We should be prayerful and always talk to God not only in times of need but also in times of euphoria.
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
27 Sep 09
Hi jules67, I agree, one of the causes for this disaster to happen is that we haven't been taking good care of our planet. Although it was considered as a natural disaster, still one way or the other we have contributed somehow causing a tragic result such as this. After this incident, me and my family realized a lot of things. One is that we were all not prepared for anything like this, we don't have any ready list of numbers to call for help. We really have to thank God for still giving us a warning so that we could be more prepared next time a disaster hits us again.
@schentil (98)
• India
28 Sep 09
hi, both storm and flood are natural devastating forces, which we people have to face unluckily. I am glad you are safe. During this devastation, we should not be happy that we are happy not worrying about our neighbors, who could be in need of help badly. So ensuring you and your family are safe, make further steps to see if you can be any help to others who are in need of help. This is the perfection of humanness.
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Hi schentil, you're right. As being one of the lucky ones who didn't experience the worst during the calamity should make efforts to help others who obviously are in a really bad situation. I still haven't talked to some of my friends cause I couldn't contact them. I just pray that they are okay.
@thebreadwinner (131)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Hello there, thanks God you're okay and you should be thankful too.
Well if im on that situation, i would find a way for me or for my family to climb on our roof. it's safer their.
@angryeve (684)
• Philippines
28 Sep 09
Hi thebreadwinner, yah I agree I should be more thankful on the fact that nobody in my family got hurt and that we are all safe. I saw you were from Cebu City, how was the weather there the other day. Was it as strong as the one that hits us here in Metro Manila. Did you get flooded there?
