Source: Definitely Filipino

Philippine President Benigno Aquino declared a state of emergency after
a tropical typhoon Washi (Sendong) battered the country and reportedly claimed the lives of nearly 1,000 people.

Regions most affected by the tropical storm were areas of the cities Cagayan de Oro and Iligan on Mindanao island.

In a mere few hours the raging elements led to local rivers overflowing their banks and flash floods to cause water saturated soil to slip down slopes destroying everything in their path.

Due to the almost zero chance of finding anyone still alive, dozens of people who previously were considered missing are now presumed to be fatalities of the typhoon.

Humanitarian organizations are trying to provide food, water and medicine to the villages damaged by the storm.

The Filipino authorities fearing epidemics are organizing mass graves even whilst grieving relatives only just begin to come to terms with their loss.

Source: PAP/EPA

President Aquino inspected the area of damage from the cockpit of a helicopter.

Following a wave of public criticisms and accusations directed at the authorities, the head of state announced an investigation into possible negligence that might have contributed to the landslides in Mindanao.

My Filippino friend, Rachel Fernandez, wrote on her Facebook wall:

“Don’t buy firecrackers this Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Please, donate and help the people of Philippines”.