Floods!

[from the Manila August prayer letter]

On the 31st of July we experienced another seemingly never-ending rain.

On the actual day, we don’t usually hear much about it’s impact in places. Either people are in hiding from the rain OR (and that concerns many of our friends in poor communities) they are very busy rescuing… – their belongings, people, neighbours, children, their very selves. It never starts dramatic, it’s the long hours of rain that slowly (or suddenly) turn everything into a drama and possibly trauma.

Experts by Experience

The Pajo neighbourhood where many of our friends live and Servants has worked over many years, is regularly affected. That local community of Living Springs Church has had more practice than anyone would wish in such disasters. They have learnt much and have become experts – I’m not exaggerating. A triangle between two rivers, the whole place (over a hectare of land) was flooded up to the upper floors in houses. In a bungalow type house (single storey) there is only one way to safety – OUT, since there is no ‘up’!

Long ropes are needed, to lead people through the streets. They will have to hold on tightly because the ground is too far below and the water current considerable. Young children are sometimes evacuated in big wash basins, or in floats made of old refrigerator shells… To rescue the old and sick is a particular challenge, since they are too heavy for basins and often too scared to leave.

Rescuer reflects

Our friend Danny Pecio will not forget that day anytime soon:

“We were so glad for the few rescue gears we had in our church. We had a life buoy, two life vests and a rope. They were of huge help. But we will need more of it. We are now looking for a little boat, where weak adults can safely sit in. A few more life vests and helmets for the rescuers, as well as a real long rope are needed.   –  The whole operation is just so dangerous. –
Then there is electricity of wires that reach the water.
Somehow, you just want to stay in the dry, thank God for a tight roof and wait until its over. But what about all those around you who are entirely unsafe?? So, the church people and friends got together and did whatever they could. Our church building became an evacuation center: Some cooked meals, others were out in the waters rescuing, others coordinated efforts with their access to the internet. Some took in a lost child until they could be re-united. With united efforts, we survived the day. It was worse then other floods before. – And we know: it will not have been the last!”

For a while many people will feel differently about heavy rains. The trauma only wears off slowly.