T-E-R-R-I-F-Y-I-N-G
That would probably one way to describe what we are experiencing due to the wrath of a super typhoon locally-named Egay or one called Doksuri internationally. Super typhoons here are like hurricanes in the West.
It started on Tuesday morning although it was not that strong. Then came the evening and the rainfall was just too much and the winds intensified further, roaring and lashing out on almost everything.
Power went out around 11, Tuesday night and whilst I wanted to doze off, my ears wouldn't let me. The sounds of cracking things outside - of tree branches breaking and stuff being blown away. It felt as though our house's roofs could be ripped off anytime. The husband fell asleep and there was me, wide awake terrified. I could only wrap my arms around his chest just to calm my nerves.
The night seemed very long and I kept praying the morning would come sooner. It was perhaps the longest night I ever had. And also a terrifying one.
Wednesday arrived and the strength of the winds seem to have doubled than it was the day before, going in various directions. Pounding on our roofs and there was heavy rainfall too. We quietly had early breakfast then I reached out to my family to check how everyone was doing.
(src)
Everyone is safe and sound. My niece sent a video of men clearing eroded soil above our house and also by the family's parking space at my parent's place. Thank goodness things are still intact.
My brother said they are all okay except that his big truck got carried away by a landslide and he doesn't know where it is.
"What? Which truck? But I saw trucks and cars parked at the compound? You've got to be kidding me."
Then he sent a video of a washed out spot where his long truck was and I recognized the place right away. It was the private access road to one of the farms he has on long-term lease. I was so shocked that I did not know what to say, thankful that no one was hurt but feeling sorry at the same time for such a costly thing lost. It's like losing an arm and a leg. It was his favorite truck, one he'd done a ton of customization and one he wouldn't let anyone drive.
Last month, his other truck was damaged when one of his boys took it to a river and had it swim over the raging water. Its engine got soaked up, its vital internal parts bent and broken it had to be towed to the shop. It's still there waiting for materials from overseas for it to get repaired. He was lamenting the last time we chitchatted. And now, the other one just disappeared.😭
Add to that, the news of his annulment case dragging on, the ex-wife wanting to get a share of everything he has. Well, except the responsibility and support for their children. It made me wonder if she would want to share with his current troubles.
I highly doubt about it.
The Farmboy sighed heavily saying things seem to be going against my brother these days, one heavy blow after another. It's sure a tough situation to be in and these are giving him more scars than he already had, but I have faith he will get through it all.🙏
I kind of digress but the thoughts are flowing can't help it.
After learning of the sad news, emergency alerts came buzzing in on our phones, intensifying the fear that I had been trying to control, making me feel helpless all the more. I literally had to pull a paper bag sensing that a panic attack was looming.
Breathe in... breathe out...
Crazy moment that was. I hope that would be the last time I'd ever have to do that.
It's Thursday already and the storm has weakened but still here.
I refrained from reading the news of how things are going with the various places in the region but I'm with an ardent prayer that there were not any casualties. Material damages are a given during such times, but lives are too precious to be lost.
We survived, thankfully and may the Heavens continue to keep us all safe and this wrathful typhoon leave us be.🙏
Photos are my own except those acknowledged. 27072023/09:30ph