Okay, remember that time in Indonesia, where the tidal wave/tsunami hit around Christmas Time?
Did you remember the videos of people being chased by cars with no people in them?
Apparently, this previous storm (signal #2 only!) was exactly like that --but spread out in Manila and nearby areas - with places not affected and some places affected. It was flash floods all around. And yes, I was outdoors at that time, trying to get home from a postponed workshop in Cubao. (They shut off the Power in the Mall, they didn't give us a reason why but I think it was a nearby fire, yes, even with the rain). So yes, I saw what it looked like - EDSA area but nothing compared to what happened in C5 or Katipunan or elsewhere.
Let pictures do that talking: http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/ondoy
The insidious thing was -- the rain wasn't all that hard. Nor the winds. It felt like a "regular" storm. Until the water rose too quickly and soon -even those in cars- were not safe. I actually tried wading in kneed deep flowing water (very unsafe!) just to get home but got blocked by waist deep water and decided it wasn't worth it. So yes, I checked into a hotel - the first one my mind remembered and stayed there until the next day. I looked out the window and saw a peaceful manila - this wasn't the affected area (Ortigas), it was Marikina and Manila and ....
Anyway.
Here's my point, if you're itching to help here's your chance:
1. How you can donate and stuff: Even if you're not in the Philippines:
2. If you have access to a vehicle, heavy moving equipment and boats, head on over to the Google Situation Map where you can find who DIRECTLY needs help: (A Pinoy inside Google had a hand in creating this one, I think)
3. To update this map, use this: http://bit.ly/ondoymapresponse
4. Plus, if you're monitoring the news, try this REAL TIME view from Twitter users:
5. Missing People List: (You can edit this)
6. Yes, some of the data are redundant --that's expected -people are just assembling this as it happens. And yes, yes I know that one day they'll look at us Pinoys and say that the Internet/Twitter/FB/Google Maps/Google docs has helped tremendously - but that's not the point TODAY.
So now, is this any where related to Inter-.net Mar.keting? Nope. It isn't and it doesn't have to be.
Now, live a remarkable life and if you're able, HELP OUT!
Jomar Hilario
