Whiplash Weekend

So many things happened over the weekend, and am I thankful the home and family are all intact and safe.

First there was Frank -- one bloody typhoon that whipped through the entire country from south to north, leaving thousands homeless, hundreds dead, and millions worth in damaged property. Did Frank make his presence felt... While it's been overcast with thunderstorms in the past weeks, nothing could have prepared us for the early morning attack last Sunday when Frank hit the metropolis after ravaging the Visayas and other parts of the country in its path.

Mom, who was in the farm with Dad for the weekend, roused us at 4 in the am to warn us that Frank was about to hit land. They've been awake since 2 because the wind had been howling and the heavens pouring leaving the surroundings flooded. The caretakers had to seek refuge in the main house lest they get trapped in their modest homes. It was, Mom described, like a refugee camp with lights out for the most part. Good thing there was a girl scout who fashioned a makeshift lamp using our precious VCO.

After checking on the doors and windows, shutting those that need to be shut just as the winds were starting their fury, I hit the sack again but sis tuned in to the radio for regular weather/storm updates. An hour or so later, Frank hit land, whipped everything in sight, dumped rains and made certain everyone would stay home for the rest of the day. Power was out for several hours making it difficult to do chores around the house in darkness. The house (boohoo!!) was feeling the effects of the storm, mostly in the living room when water started seeping into the house. It was a never-ending mopping session and dumping water outside until late afternoon. Power was restored for about half-an-hour then went off again. With power out, the kids were restless and bored. We had fried rice for lunch and salted fish on the side. The rains were intermittent and lasted till late in the evening.

News that an inter-island vessel sank added to the tension. I can imagine the nightmarish situation for disaster officials who would have to contend with various rescue missions. Sulpicio Lines sure is unlucky. It's another of their vessels that turned over; 700 passengers and crew on board, and the survivors are coming in trickles, if at all. Now what is with these people setting sail in spite news of bad weather? Tsk, tsk.

Our house-help, who was due in from the province (the same area where the sunken ship originated from) had us worried. But she sent in messages that she was safe but stranded. Whew! That was close. Now, she is back home, none the worse for wear.

In many parts of the country hit by Frank, there is still no electricity. Those who lost their homes are holed up in evacuation centers -- mostly schoolbuildings. Classes were suspended in areas ravaged by the typhoon. Communicatioan facilities are getting back to normal. Even internet connections suffered heavily and need to undergo repair.

It's just the beginning of the rainy season and who knows what else lies ahead...