Tropical Storm Ondoy brought 16.7 inches of rain in the span of 12 hours to the Philippines September 26, and created a flood that left a scene of sorrow and devastation affecting BYU–Hawaii students’ family and friends. The death toll has reached 240, and that number is expected to increase as people are unaccounted for after the storm.
With nearly 2 million Filipinos affected by the storm, many Filipinos abroad are left to wonder if their own loved ones are safe. “Of course [I’m] worried,” says Larry Chua, an IT major from Tarlac, Philippines. “A lot of my family is from the area where the storm was. I’m just happy … they’re all right.”
Many others tell a much sadder story. Dondie Rellora, a BYU–Hawaii graduate in accounting/IBM from Cavite, Philippines, said, “Our close friend, BJ Balota [BYU–Hawaii alumnus], informed us that they got flooded and they were not able to save their things. They just started their own family when they were married last June and now they need to start all over again.”
Filipino Club President Medel Hernandez, senior in IT from Angeles City, Philippines, said, “A lot of people are affected by the calamity and so we want to help our fellowmen in our own little way…whatever amount we will raise will surely be a big help to the people who are suffering right now.”
Anyone who would like to donate their time or means to help out the victims of Ondoy can contact the BYU–Hawaii Filipino Club directly at pinoysabyuh@gmail.com. Donations are also being accepted through the Philippine National Red Cross at http://redcross.org.ph.
--Photo courtesy of the Associated Press