THE flood on Wednesday night was a scary reminder of climate change, the need to improve disaster preparedness, and re-assess our disaster response.
Portions of Calinan, Tugbok, and Talomo were flooded following the heavy rains on Wednesday night.
As of 6 a.m. Thursday, City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) reported that a total of 3,559 families were affected by the flood.
In some areas of Calinan, Tugbok, and Talomo, the flood has not yet subsided. In areas where the flood has already subsided, it left a muddy mess that needs lots of cleaning up to do.
For instance, we caught on photo teachers of Leon Garcia Elementary School in Talomo, Davao City having to clean up muddied classrooms. In the photos, we can see some damaged school materials.
Whether it is the families or the schools, we should come together and provide any help we can give to them.
Most likely, many families will be needing clothes considering that some were not able to bring with them clothes while evacuating. Some of their clothes may have also been damaged by the flood as well. However, when you are donating clothes, make sure that these are still usable and do not look like rags.
Many of these families will also be needing toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, and soap. Make sure to also include napkin for the women.
If you are donating food, you may donate packs of rice, canned goods, and noodles. They will also need some drinking water.
Victims of the flood may also need some financial aid to purchase things they need or fix their homes. If you know someone who is affected, maybe you can extend a couple of pesos to them especially if you are not sure what to give.
For donations of food and relief goods, kindly contact Davao City Social Services and Development Office chief Malou Bermudo at (0915) 400-2392; Nenen Mitaran at (0977) 834-1494; or Aysi Romanda at (0917) 162-0146. You may also drop donations at the City Hall of Davao.