While going through the internet, I came across this quote, “When we learn how to become resilient, we learn how to embrace the beautifully broad spectrum of the human experience.” and it struck me. Each passing day, we are at different areas of this broad spectrum. Some days we are at the ends of the spectrum, we may be filled with so much bliss and gratitude, some days we may be at the other end where in we feel hopeless, depressed, and lonely while some days, we are at the center, just living through the mundane days. No matter where we are in this broad spectrum of human experience, I learned that we must live because that's just how life is, we must survive.
Indeed, the past few weeks have been challenging, well challenging may be an understatement because there are no words to describe how difficult the past few weeks have been. I have been inactive in this platform for the past weeks because first, I had to deal with academic obligations filled with anxiety and sleepless nights and the moment I decided to be active on this platform, a super typhoon made a landfall in the Philippines.
As I was scrolling through this platform, I came across different stories of my fellow Hivers who experienced the storm as well. Some lost their homes while some had to battle through the chaos but despite it all, I am glad to know that they are all safe and are trying to rise despite the adversities. I, too, have my own story to share regarding my experience.
I could vividly remember, as what they say, the longest night of my life. On December 16, 2021, I experienced a Category 5 super typhoon. At around 7:00 PM on that night, the winds started howling as it intensified as the hours passed by. The winds maintained it strength for the next 4 hours and while the winds were gushing through all I could think of was the safety of my family. During those 4 hours, all I could do was cry and pray as my parents were busy checking if our roof was still intact and collecting rainwater dripping from our ceiling. I could not move even just one bit, but my parents bravely ensured that we are safe within our home. Living near the coastal area made me even more anxious because of the possibility of a storm surge but thankfully the sea levels were not strong enough to wreak havoc on our homes.
The morning after the storm, I hurriedly went down to check the damages of the storm and thankfully our roof was still intact but there were damages that we needed to fix as soon as possible in case it rains in the next few days or week. Most of the trees around our subdivision were toppled down along with damaged wirings which led to loss of electricity and water supply not just in our city but across different cities in our province, Cebu. Currently, my mother pays around 2 USD per day so that we could get water from the deep well in order to take a bath. Sadly, lot of individuals lost their homes along with limited access to potable water and food not just in our province but also in neighboring provinces like in Bohol, Negros Oriental, Southern Leyte, and Surigao.
Despite the resiliency of Filipinos, we must also demand accountability from our government officials because limited help has been provided to those affected by the storm. Thankfully, government aid has been slowly provided and there are also private sectors and ordinary citizens who initiated donation drives and the like to those severely affected by the storm. I truly hope we can all recuperate from this. For now, since my resources are also limited, I would like to be the voice that would amplify the cries of affected survivors. We are currently under a state of calamity and up to this moment some people still do not have adequate access to food, water, and other necessities especially those in areas which are hard to reach. I do hope they will be given the help that they need as soon as possible.
Thank you so much for reading my story. It was such a tough week that I had to travel for hours to be relocated to my grandmother's place where there is electricity, water, and WiFi connection. Resiliency alone could not help us brace the storm, through the help of others, we would surely get through the aftermath of this catastrophe.
lifewithera is a 22-year old, college senior, an aspiring yogi, a furmom, and a wanderer, who writes stories about her personal life, mental health, fitness, travel, and just anything and everything her heart wants to speak. If you want to get to know her more, then you can connect with her through various social media platforms.
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Heartbreaking scenes :( Reminds me when a part of my country (Czech Republic) was badly damaged by a tornado earlier this year. Stay strong guys!
@tipu curate
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There were more heartbreaking scenarios that I failed to capture as I was still processing everything that has happened. Sending love and light to those affected by the different calamities🥺
I couldnt agree more. Thank you for being strong Era! Thank for accomodating us in your home and the company. We are so blessed to have a very generous neighborhood and filled with fun and positive people. Happy Holidays Era. I hope you are in a better state of mind there. See you soonest!
Happy holidays kuya! Thank you for reminding me to have a positive state of mind. Your words of encouragement really helped me get through the tough times 🥺
Our state of mind makes a lot of difference especially in this difficult time. You're welcome Era! Lets spread and release positive energy to the Universe.
Sending light wherever you are ayuk!! Positive vibes only!!
Stay strong Era.
Thank you Sasha! Take care always 🥺🤗
It's sad when the storm comes on Christmas day. I hope you will overcome all difficulties.
Yes indeed but the celebration still continues, no matter how simple 🤗
This is really serious. Stay strong and alive
Thank you so much for dropping by! I am well and safe 🤗🥺
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Thank you and Merry Christmas 🎅!
That is so tragic, I agree, although resiliency is something that's nice to have, it is just not enough. People in Siargao and areas related are dying from dehydration, WE NEED TO ASK FOR HELP WHEN NEEDED.
Yes!!! We need basic necessities in order to survive 🥺🥺 I do hope help is given to islands like Siargao, Dinagat, and all other islands affected by the storm
Yes, the government is doing its best right now, but we truly need donations. I hope you guys keep safe there!
Yes I hope more donations are coming through. Take care as well🤗
Sad to see occasionally some individuals will increase prices during times like this just because they can. It sucks you are paying for water like that each day. I have seen some cases where certain homes and businesses are sharing access to their deep-water well for free, but I guess this is not the case in your area. I am glad your roof survived somewhat intact.
Some people took advantage of the situation😩 Sadly, we needed to pay for water since the deep wells are located a bit far from home. It was really traumatic but Im glad we are all safe. Thanks so much for dropping by! 🥺
⋆ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʟᴀᴄᴇ ғᴏʀ sᴏᴜᴛʜᴇᴀsᴛ ᴀsɪᴀɴ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ᴏɴ ʜɪᴠᴇ
⋆ sᴜʙsᴄʀɪʙᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀsᴇᴀɴ ʜɪᴠᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ
⋆ ғᴏʟʟᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀsᴇᴀɴ ʜɪᴠᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ ᴠᴏᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʀᴀɪʟ
⋆ ᴅᴇʟᴇɢᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ʟɪɴᴋs 25 ʜᴘ⇾50 ʜᴘ⇾100 ʜᴘ⇾500 ʜᴘ⇾1,000 ʜᴘ
Thank you as well🥺🤗
Christmas is one of the most loved and well celebrated festival all over the world. I felt sad when I heard your part of the story. But I'm also glad you didn't miss out all the fun. I'm glad you still enjoyed. I send you many many good wishes of Christmas. Stay blessed and happy always! :)
It's truly hard to celebrate Christmas in this situation but life must go on! 🥺 the spirit continues despite the adversities. Same to you! Thank you so much for your kind words🤗🥺
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Hi Era, thank u for the good, info packed post. I hope u managed to have a good xmas, despite a the stuff goin on. :)
Thank you also for dropping by! Christmas may have been different this year but it's alright, this won't last forever 🥺🤗
The incident has been a heartbreaking moment. Took back me to the memory lane of 2015, when earthquake slammed us. You guys been through a terrible state of mind & condition.
You are a strong lady with great people around. A new sunshine to come. Take care. ✨🙏
Thank you so much for your kind words. Natural disasters are truly inevitable 😩 It was such a traumatic experience but I am so grateful that I was able to get through it. Looking forward to better days 🤗🥺❤️
Truely it is. Held your head high of passing through the disaster. Wishing good upcoming days. 🌄
Life must go on. This too shall pass. Laban! ❤️💪
Yes dear!! Storms don't last forever. Laban ghapon. I hope you are okay as well🤗
Its sad to see all the destruction. My partners from Surigao and the area has been devasted. Their house was heavily damaged and still very hard to get contact with people there.
Indeed! A very traumatic experience for all of us. So sad to hear that. I hope they are all okay and receive the help that they need!
nice shooting
Thank you
seeing this post makes me emotional, I felt sorry that you have to experience this too, laban lang jud. Hope your family and loved ones are safe @lifewithera. This too shall pass gayud.
It was indeed a traumatizing experience but I'm truly glad that we all are safe 🤗 thank you so much for dropping by!
It was indeed a traumatizing experience but I'm truly glad that we all are safe 🤗 thank you so much for dropping by!
It is heartbreaking seeing the devastation caused by odette. I wish for the safety of you and your family 🙏🙏 Stay strong sis
Thank you for your kind words! I pray for your safety as well🤗 Life must go on!