Today's Deadly Flood

The flood that submerged all of Metro Manila and neighboring provinces starting yesterday is reminiscent of the great flood in Noah’s time.

Typhoon Ondoy (or Ketsana) unleashed its flagrant fury never before experienced in this country. It was as though the deadly rainfall would not let up. One month's worth of rain poured in just six hours! And water rushed in from everywhere.

People swam for their lives. Many clambered over rooftops. As of this writing, many are still up there—men, women, and children—soaking wet and shivering from hunger, illness, fear, and trauma.

The main difference between the ancient flood and today’s deadly flood is that thousands of people are alive to tell tales of horror and terror—of hanging on for dear life for hours; of their babies, properties, homes, vehicles being swept by the whirling tide; and of rescue too slow in coming.

We who have been spared, watch their suffering on TV, and we collectively feel totally, utterly, thoroughly helpless. We can’t even get out of our own homes because streets are impassable. Even the government, at this point, has inadequate facilities to handle a disaster of this magnitude.

Paul said something to the Thessalonians which we can do: “Pray without ceasing . . .” We can get down on our knees and pray for a torrent of grace for those who are drowning in pain and misery brought about by today’s deadly flood.