GGG (Gotta Grow Gills)
I am crashing Tin and Mad’s apartment in Kamias (previously crashed Rocky & Tobie’s at Cubao and also Manny’s at Bago Bantay) to be able to use the Internet and work. Power was restored a week after the first storm but there’s still no phone service. We were lucky to be spared by the main onslaught of Pepeng (Parma) which was stronger (200kph of winds) than Ondoy. We were also threatend by Quedeng (Melor) that still was stronger (250kph tops) than Pepeng. The two played tag while Pepeng persisted north of the Philippines. And now Pepeng is officially back here although much weaker than before.
As of this moment most parts of Pasig, especially the area around and near the floodway system, is still submerged in 4ft (average) of flood water. The only way in and out is via makeshift rafts/boats. In my “boat ride” out of my part of the city I saw that the deepest was still above the waist.
Reaching our house via “raft”
One of the deepest parts a couple of blocks
from old Pasig downtown and our house
Pasig city hall area
The situation above caused us to lose a client when she decided to refund her deposit for use of one of the units we have for lease.
I experienced how relief operations went about and how it brought out the worst in people. It’s heartbreaking watching those people queuing up for small bags with rice, noodles and canned goods. I mentioned that we live in a Class B/C neighborhood and I was blatantly reminded how lucky we are that we didn’t have to be down there. I also heard of stories of people tearing the bags of those who were lucky to have received so that they will not be able to cook the rice.
Relief Operations at our place
We do not see the situation in Pasig City improving anytime soon. The last time we had a flood like this it took months for the water to completely recede. However if the government does something about it (like letting water out of Manila Bay once in a while and slowly) our recovery will quicken.
