Tropical Storm Ketsana's (Typhoon Ondoy) Devastating Effects

It seems that there's barely any news coverage about this disaster, but now that's slowy changing. The death toll has risen to 284 according to AP. The ongoing relief efforts are being threatened by two new storms projected to hit the country on Wednesday or Thursday this week. Social networks (such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.) have been quite handy in keeping flood victims connected. Those who live in the flooded areas their kept their facebook status updated with their whereabouts, thus giving relief to their concerned friends. I spoke with my sister who lives in Makati City, and we're relieved that she's doing ok. Sadly, my mom's car (which my sister now uses) got submerged in the flood. Still she's lucky that the car didn't float along like the others (see video below).

I have at least 3 friends who lost everything (homes, clothes, etc.) in the flood. Please continue to include the typhoon victims in your prayers. Google has a one-stop page for people who might know someone in need of help. They also offer a list of groups that are accepting cash and in-kind donations to help with disaster relief efforts.

[UPDATE#1] The Philippines is in a STATE OF CALAMITY. Your help is urgently needed.

From the Philippine Star website updated on Sept. 27, 2009 (12AM)

'Ondoy' like 'Katrina'

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical storm “Ondoy” (international name: Ketsana) yesterday battered Luzon, leaving Metro Manila and 25 provinces in a state of calamity. Initial reports said at least 14 people were killed after nearly a day of continuous heavy rains.

Extensive flooding in the metropolis that forced thousands out of their homes and turned many areas into virtual lakes drew comparison with hurricane “Katrina” which devastated the southern United States city of New Orleans in August 2005. As Katrina pounded New Orleans, levees broke and about 80 percent of the city was flooded, killing over 1,800 people and leaving damage estimated at more than $100 billion.

Here are a couple of photos I found from postings on facebook:

More pictures of the flooding can be seen in this short movie clip:

Donations may be channeled through the Philippine National Red Cross website. On the project activity menu, one may select 'Others'. Your prayers and generosity will certainly help to alleviate the effects brought by this devastation. May God bless you!

Update#1 from Txtpower.org(9/27/09): The floods have deluged Metro Manila (population: 11.5 million as of 2007), stranding thousands of night workers and those who went to school or offices this morning. Major highways have been shut down due to floods and other effects of the typhoon. Operations of Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal have been stopped. Domestic flights have been cancelled. Floods have reached six feet in some areas. Radio and TV news reports say that more and more people living near La Mesa Dam and Angat Dam, which has said to be overflowed, adversely affecting nearby communities. No reports yet of casualties but radio and TV news continuously report about knee-deep, waist-high, neck-high, and bus-level floods in many areas. Donations may also be made through paypal.

Solemn Pontifical High Mass: 20th Anniversary of the Traditional Latin Mass (last part)

Pictures after the Pontifical Mass and Anniversary Reception on the

newly-blessed Father Kozina Hall.

The remaining parts (9, 10, 11 and 12) of the Pontifical High Mass Video.

Special acknowledgement goes to fellow parishioner Josemine Miranda's dad (Mr. Joe Miranda) for allowing me to use his Nikon D40 camera to take these beautiful pictures!

Solemn Pontifical High Mass: 20th Anniversary of the Traditional Latin Mass (part 6)

Pictures after the Pontifical Mass and Anniversary Reception on the

newly-blessed Father Kozina Hall.

Part 6, 7 and 8 of the Pontifical High Mass Video (stay tuned for more parts to be uploaded!)

Solemn Pontifical High Mass: 20th Anniversary of the Traditional Latin Mass (part 5)

Pictures from Holy Communion to the Concluding Procession

Part 5 of the Pontifical High Mass Video (stay tuned for more parts to be uploaded!)

Solemn Pontifical High Mass: 20th Anniversary of the Traditional Latin Mass (part 4)

Pictures from the Sermon to Holy Communion.

Part 4 of the Pontifical High Mass Video (stay tuned for more parts to be uploaded!)

Solemn Pontifical High Mass: 20th Anniversary of the Traditional Latin Mass (part 3)

Pictures from the Prayers at the foot of the Altar to the Sermon.

Part 3 of the Pontifical High Mass Video (stay tuned for more parts to be uploaded!)