Dumaguete Relief Operation (Continuation)

PART 2 OF 3

The more we venture into each Baranggay of Guihulngan, the more we see the damages.  Roads are uneven and cracked while bridges are totally damaged (the government made make-shift bridges so light vehicles can pass over) making land travel risky and treacherous.  Numerous times we again saw placards that people put up so they can ask for food and water.  People also shouted at us as we pass by, imploring us to give help. 

At one point, since we had to stop so we can give relief bags to Jonie’s relatives, we were almost mobbed by the people so we had to leave in a hurry.  People started running as fast as they could to reach our vehicle.  That’s how desperate the people have become just to get some food and water.  We wanted to give but our supply will not be sufficient to give to everyone.  We left hurriedly although we could see their desperate plea for help.  If only we have more, then we can help them too.

That afternoon, we were able to give relief bags to Jonie’s relatives living in Guihulngan.  We even reached the first Baranggay of La Libertad where Jonie’s cousin lives.  She pastors a church in that area.  After giving them relief bags, we wanted to continue to our next destination – Jonie’s relatives in Baranggay Pacuan, La Libertad. 

Before leaving, they cautioned us about going there in the evening.  It is almost 6 in the afternoon and it was getting dark.  They told us that it will take another two hours to reach our destination and there are landslides along the way.  Also, bandits and robbers are common in that area especially at night.

We heeded their advice and we returned to Jonie’s cousin to spend the night.  About dinner time, two strong after shocks just minutes apart from each other greeted us.  The quakes were a bit strong that the walls and the foundation of the house seemed to sound as if they were being twisted.  People started filling the streets and it took another an hour or two before they returned inside their houses.  The next day, very early in the morning, we felt another after shock.  According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhilVocs), as of this week, there are more than 1600 after shocks already recorded.

TO BE CONTINUED...