Just of today at dawn time residents of Northern Mindanao, experienced the wrath of Tropical Storm Sendong that brought floods across some parts of the region of Northern Mindanao, specifically the two cities namely Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City of Lanao del Norte. Rescue Teams are still in action in responding the affected residents. 

According to MindaNews there was still undetermined number of persons who died due to flash floods in the two cities. While the head of rescue team in Cagayan de oro City said at least 40 persons have been reported dead and it is still expected that the number will rise as the residents are still unaccounted. People were definitely evacuated to different evacuation centers with the help of the Rescue Teams since some residents experienced a roof-high level of flood waters that made them stuck to the roof and others on the second floor of their home. Sad to say but some residential houses near the river bank were carried away due to flash floods. 

Around 2: 00 AM dawn time floodwaters rose abruptly and my sister’s house filled with floodwaters at Knee-High level and lucky for them since their house was at a little high level compared to the others.  While my Aunt’s House (My Mother’s Younger Sister) just a block away from my sister’s house was really flooded at 2 meters high and the other residential areas were also affected by floodwaters as told by my sister. 

My mother travelled yesterday, December 16, 2011, Morning time to catch a Barge from Balingoan Misamis oriental to Camiguin Island. She really wanted to go home since it’s been 2 weeks that she’s away and there were lot of things to do before the Town Fiesta Celebration and to have a good bonding with my relatives from Davao City and from other regions who will also visit Camiguin to witness the celebration of their Town Fiesta. Thus, because of the Storm the barge were not allowed to travel to Camiguin Island and so lots of passengers were stranded at the Ports including my Mother. I just Hope that my mother is fine, she had now emptied her cell-phone battery that make me to no longer have a contact or communication on how’s her travel and her health. 

Whew! The Storm is different now a days, it was my first time to experience a tropical Storm here in Lanao del Norte for 5 years of residing. I just remember my presentation regarding Climate Change in titled “Youth perspective on Climate Change” during the youth peace camp 2009 here in Lanao del Norte, where I showed to the youth participants a document part of my presentation, regarding the simulation of Sea Level rise where they witness the possibilities and effects of floods to regions and near the coastal areas. For sure if they still remember the inputs of the presentation they will remember what was it happening now. 

Climate change is not just a natural phenomenon anymore. Though People around the globe are responsible for the environmental protection but it is those whom hold great power who maintains a Political-Economic system in favor for their power and profits are more liable for the drastic change of climate…