SENDONG: STORIES OF SURVIVAL

By: Nastasha Colibao, Red Cross Volunteer

It started as a seemingly normal day. Preparations are on-going for the coming festive activities; people here and there getting ready for Christmas. It started as a seemingly normal day, then a seemingly normal night; a seemingly normal drizzle, then a seemingly normal rainfall. What started out as an ordinary day turned out to be anything but normal.

On The Eve of Calamity

Al Madale, a Red Cross Youth Volunteer said during the interview, "We have been getting ready for a Children's Concert. It was raining then. It rained often these days, so we thought nothing of it and continued with the rehearsals.

"I stayed at the office, along with some less than fifteen other volunteers. The others went home a few hours back and brought the children home when the weather worsened."

"Although a Signal Number 2 was reported in Lanao del Norte, they said the water level was fine; so I waited for a phone call at home," Mohammad Manalao, another Red Cross Volunteer, admitted, "but around 11 that night, one of the staff called and said we needed to set-up the rubber boats in the office.

"I couldn't come immediately; it took me a long time to get to the office. The water was rising - there were no means of transportation then."

Day 1, December 17th

Before the clock has struck midnight, Red Cross Volunteers and Coast Guards have already been setting up at Red Cross Chapters, getting Rubber Boats and Rescue Kits as fast as they could. Updates have been given, and it was not getting better. People have been staying on their rooftops, holding on for their lives. The water level continues to rise and time is of the essence.

When the volunteers could finally leave, water has risen to high levels on the National Highway. The river has overflowed at alarming rates. Many different routes had to be tried – it was a trial and error course – because of the dangers of live wires and strong currents the flood has brought. The water level has reached 6 feet in some areas; and in some, a more fatal 10 feet above the ground.

"The current became even stronger, and we hit something under water – a car, I think, but I'm not sure. It damaged the rubber boat, and the boat tipped over. It was a good thing that everybody had life vests on, and we were still safe," said Mohammad Manalao.

Yvonne Antolihao, a survivor, narrated to PRC Chairman Richard Gordon after how she struggled that time to keep her four children alive - she made them hang on to a Mango Tree. At that time, another child was holding onto her leg for dear life, although she could barely cling to the tree.

A number of volunteers still managed to continue the rescue without their rubber boats, and struggled to bring the people to a place called Tubad Bridge, where the water level was much lower – where it was safer.

For some, though, the same could not be said. When the water level somehow dropped, Yvonne Antolihao discovered that the child holding on to her leg has been long gone, having drowned helplessly in that very spot.

"Ma'am Jenny called, she was crying. She couldn't believe how many deaths there have been. They were just floating around, the flood carrying their bodies," narrated Al Madale.
"At around 5am, we went back to the office, had about ten minutes of rest, and started immediately to pack up and set up the Medical Team for another mission. More than 250 people have been helped right away, thank God," said Mohammad Manalao.

Many survivors refused to let the Red Cross volunteers transfer their deceased to funeral homes, saying that they could handle it themselves; saying that their loved ones should end up in their beloved residences.

Day 2, December 18th

Another day comes to shed more light of hope to our brothers and sisters in Mindanao. More people have been rescued and additional medical aid has been given. Although many have not been physically hurt, numerous people have been in shock. They could answer simple questions, but refuse to engage in further conversations. A helpless look dwells upon their faces, having to look at the face of death and survived.

More cadavers have been recovered; sadly, three out of the four funerals homes refuse to accommodate more dead bodies. Some even accept only those who have purchased Plans or Insurance from them.

Angelina Labor from Iligan City grieves over her mother's death. But more heartache comes along as she could not afford to pay for her mother's final rites. Comfort comes in a form of help where PRC Chairman Richard Gordon initiated to provide coffins by asking for donations. Also, body bags have been contributed to give the deceased more dignity, instead of having to be laid down, out in the open for everyone to see.

Day 3, December 19th

Red Cross volunteers, still unwavering, continue to repack and give out relief goods, hot meals and medical help to those in need; in addition, they have mustered all their efforts to bring over 10, 000 Liter of water to the survivors – hoping to help the drenched but ironically dehydrated survivors.

It is not unusual for someone to feel at loss after the death of his loved ones. Just like Blas Avenido from Barangay Hinaplanon, Iligan City. He has lost nine of his relatives and is still hoping that some of them will turn up. He confesses to the PRC Chairman and Governor James Dy that he is the only known survivor at that particular time, but the pain of not knowing is much worse than dealing with deaths. He has lost his will to live. It was a good thing that Philippine Red Cross also offers Psycho-Social Support for those who have been experiencing the same turmoil as Mr. Avenido.

From a Nation of Heroes emerges new generations of hope. Generations that shed light to those who have been stuck in a dark tunnel of despair. We must keep in mind that, despite a seemingly bleak future, we must continue to carry on for our brothers and sisters; and continue to help those in vulnerable situations, whoever, whenever and wherever they may be. We must remember that deep in our hearts, there will always be the fire of volunteerism and humanitarianism burning, keeping the weak warm and fueling us to keep on going.