Tropical storm hits Manila

daffodil · Post by **daffodil** » 26th Sep, '09, 21:44

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,26 ... 09,00.html

This has been some day and the toll is rising.

35 of my team are trapped at work with no power, food or water and no means of getting out. At least I know they are safe, for now anyway.

Puts my so-called problems into perspective for sure.

Kooky · Post by **Kooky** » 27th Sep, '09, 08:18

I've been reading all the news stories on this - sounds awful

Worst storm in Manila for 42 years, they say.

I know your team is still there, Daff, but hope you get them all home safely soon. xxx (When I say you, of course I don't mean you - there's nothing you can do so don't beat yourself up.)

daffodil · Post by **daffodil** » 27th Sep, '09, 09:17

Thanks, K.

Death toll stands at 50, many of whom are children. Just awful, hard to get much news here, telephone lines remain unstable.

We have over 1000 staff still stranded but they are safe and fingers crossed they will be able to return to their families later today.

Satellite · Post by **Satellite** » 27th Sep, '09, 09:36

saw the flood footage on tv. Hope everything turns out ok.

Zephyr · Post by **Zephyr** » 27th Sep, '09, 09:53

Keeping my fingers crossed that they'll get out soon.

slinky · Post by **slinky** » 27th Sep, '09, 10:04

Just saw this now, Daff. Take care & hope they all get safely home soon.

Lili Von Shtupp · Post by **Lili Von Shtupp** » 27th Sep, '09, 11:34

Wow! Take care, Daff, and I can echo the rest - hope everyone can go home soon.

canuck · Post by **canuck** » 27th Sep, '09, 13:47

Hope all turns out well Daff

daffodil · Post by **daffodil** » 27th Sep, '09, 14:09

Thanks Ladies.

All of our staff have now been rescued and are on the long journey to their homes, which may or may not be standing. Thus far, 10 of my team have lost their homes and possessions, now hoping that their families are ok. Going to take some time to get a true picture of what's happening as it's impossible to contact many of them.

Personally, it's the first time I've had first hand experience of this type of situation and am finding it very difficult. Not from the point of my own safety, but feeling of helplessness is overwhelming.

Guess I'll need to toughen up given this will definitely not be the last time I'll expereince it whilst here.

Some pics (not taken by me!)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8276374.stm

azzam · Post by **azzam** » 27th Sep, '09, 20:09

Daffy....so sorry.
Will your company be mobilising some support for the affected staff? That would be something you could get your teeth into.

Lili Von Shtupp · Post by **Lili Von Shtupp** » 29th Sep, '09, 09:20

I've been reading a lot about the damage from the floods and fires and all the displaced families. It looks like not much aid is being offered considering the nightmare. Now they say another storm is on the horizon. Daff, how are things? How are your colleagues faring?

Scrummy Mummy · Post by **Scrummy Mummy** » 29th Sep, '09, 09:32

Obviously we can donate money etc via Red Cross, but has anyone com across a place to donate clothes etc? I heard on the radio they need them, and we have shedloads of baby clothes.

Morrolan · Post by **Morrolan** » 29th Sep, '09, 10:50

donating bulky items such as clothes in general given the distance involved not very useful as transport and storage costs will wipe out any benefit. usually one doesn't bother even sending it out.

Dinosaur · Post by **Dinosaur** » 29th Sep, '09, 11:02

Would be nice, after this, if the Peens starts thinking seriously about putting some decent drainage in place. .... and Thailand too ..... and Malaysia too. If Singapore can do it.....

Scrummy Mummy · Post by **Scrummy Mummy** » 29th Sep, '09, 13:03

Morrolan wrote:donating bulky items such as clothes in general given the distance involved not very useful as transport and storage costs will wipe out any benefit. usually one doesn't bother even sending it out.

Sometimes airlines etc transfer free.....I think some did after the Tsunami?

daffodil · Post by **daffodil** » 29th Sep, '09, 16:16

Phillipine Airlines are offering to transport donated goods for free into Manila. Not sure about SIA or others.

Local donation sites springing up at malls, offices, hotels and the like. Big call for clothes and food.

Will give update on the situation here later tonight, thanks to all for your support and good wished.

azzam · Post by **azzam** » 30th Sep, '09, 15:16

Samoa has been hit by earthquake and tsunami. Not a good week.

Scrummy Mummy · Post by **Scrummy Mummy** » 30th Sep, '09, 15:39

Detail on the AB of where to donate goods, if anyone's interested.

Kooky · Post by **Kooky** » 30th Sep, '09, 15:40

Not a good week at all. It seems many of my colleagues in the Manila office have lost everything

We also have offices in the Pacific Islands.

A local colleague is heading to Manila and has offered to take stuff over - I asked him to take Daff a bottle of gin and, bless him, he took me seriously.

daffodil · Post by **daffodil** » 30th Sep, '09, 15:41

And Tropical Storm Parma is heading our way later today. As if there's not already enough destruction here.

No need for a general update, I guess you've seen the news updates for SE Asia and the havoc Ketsana has wreaked.

The sight of requisitioned basketballs courts filled with coffins and mourners will stay with me for a long time.

Kooky · Post by **Kooky** » 30th Sep, '09, 15:43

Stay safe, Daff, and chin up. You know if I could, I would come and do your emergency latte (weak, very hot) runs for you.

daffodil · Post by **daffodil** » 30th Sep, '09, 15:45

Cheers M'dear. Actually G & T is a better idea.

I reckon it will be the safest thing to drink here soon!

slinky · Post by **slinky** » 30th Sep, '09, 16:10

Take care, Daff. My maid has cousins in Manilla and was telling me some of what they've been through with this storm. I'm planning to do a clothes clean out around here -- been a long time coming, actually, and this seems like a good way to put everything to use. I saw the info about donating at Lucky Plaza on the AB, so we'll get some stuff over there in the next day or so.

Scrummy Mummy · Post by **Scrummy Mummy** » 30th Sep, '09, 17:10

Yeah, take care Daff, awful.

Pinklepurr · Post by **Pinklepurr** » 30th Sep, '09, 19:52

OMG. I didn't realise you were back there Daff. Do take care, we have heard from our old maid about how bad things are and it sounds awful.

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