“I thought I would drown…”
By Shirley T. Kimmayong, HEA Communications Specialist

Jabez stares into the open streets, flooded and muddy, lost in his own thoughts. Photo by World Vision Philippines.

“The floodwater was so high. I was so afraid. I was crying,” describes seven year old Jabez Gonzaga of Karangalan village from Cainta, Rizal.

“It was like the sea; my father put me in a styrofoam box and pulled me to safety. I felt so cold and I thought I would drown,” said Jabez, who came from one of the worst hit areas where extreme rainfall brought by Typhoon Ketsana submerged more than 80% of Metro Manila and nearby provinces. More than 450,000 have been affected by the storm, and the death toll has climbed to 246 people.

“All my school things and clothes were soaked through and my favorite toy was destroyed,” he told World Vision Philippines staff, as he held on to the pair of shorts he was wearing, because they were too loose for him.

At times, he would not answer questions and only shook his head. His attention would often stray as he gazes out into the flooded mud-filled streets.

Putting up at a church which is now being used as an evacuation centre with Jabez is his aunt, Jenel Gonzaga, 28, who was still reeling from shock.

“It was a very traumatic experience. You don’t know if the flood water will still rise. There were no rescuers,” she said.

Jenel added, “I really thought I was going to die. I was so afraid. The water was increasing rapidly and our home was totally submerged with muddy water.” Her family evacuated to their neighbour’s house.

“Though we lost most of our belongings, I am thankful that none of us died. The material things can be replaced,” she said.

For two days, they waited for the water to subside. “It will take us one week to clean up the mess caused by the flooding. There are many things we have to do,” said Jenel as she stares at the pile of clothing piled up in their house.

“For now, what we really need is food and water. The stores here were flooded as well, so supplies are limited, and prices are high as a result. A can of sardines typically priced at 12 pesos (US$0.26) now costs 23 persos (US$0.50) now,” says Jenel.

 “It is hard to start anew especially since all our important documents are all soaked in flood water,” she said.

“However, though we lost most of our belongings, I am thankful that none of us died. The material things can still be replaced,” she repeated.