Sagip Kotse: A Bagyong Pedring Scenario

Whistling wind. Slapping rain. Gushing flood waters. Sights and sounds of Typhoon Pedring.

Being a Malabon resident, I should be used to this already.  Honestly, I am.  Every time the rain months arrive, I knew that we need to brace ourselves for the worst.  But I'm an optimistic womom.  Even if we're always flooded 100% of the time when a typhoon hits Metro Manila, at the back of my mind, I'm wishing for something freaky to happen. I'm thinking, absurd as it may seem, maybe this time, flood waters wouldn't enter the Cruz's area of responsibility (meaning, inside our house). So, I concede. I cannot win against force majeure. So... "Hello, flood waters!  Come on in.  I hope you wouldn't stay too long."

Times like these, presence of mind is key.  Good thing Ramir has a lot of it.  He knows that we need to get our car out of its parking area.  I wouldn't have thought of it. My only concern is to get some food on the table so the whole household wouldn't starve for the day. Two years ago during Typhoon Ondoy, our car was pitifully submerged underwater. We wouldn't want a second round of that.  Ramir told me that he needed my assistance.  He requested me to hold the gate, to ensure that it wouldn't hit the car.  But lo and behold!  The car wouldn't start.  Our time is running out, water is rising by the minute.  He asked around for spare battery and jumper cables but there wasn't any.  Good thing, there were reliable "tambays" who told him that they'll just push the car to a higher and safer ground.

Below is an account of our Operation: Sagip Kotse.

As of this writing, our first floor is, once again, flooded. Most of our stuff were transferred to our second floor.  I'm not sure if the water is still rising, we're hoping not. One thing is certain though, we'll go through the cycle again.  I'm calling this the Malabon Drill - Typhoon would hit.  Water would rise then would enter the house. Then water will recede. We'll wash the floor, scrub the walls and disinfect fairly everything the water has touched. Then another typhoon would come along and you know what's next. 

Why have I stayed in Malabon all these years?  I have my reasons.  Others may not buy it but I want to believe they're valid. One day, I know, I'll be out of here.  But for the mean time, let me grab that scrub. We've got some work to do.