The Typhoon
By ABConservation - Updated on 2022/01/11
Trees that fell during typhoon Odette [Credit R. Pageaud]
Since my arrival here in Palawan many people told me that the island is safe because there is no earthquake neither typhoon (which are frequents on the others islands); the typhoons usually pass more on the north. That’s the reason why everybody was surprised by Odette (or Rai) strength, even if its coming was planned since some days.
Early morning on Friday 17th December, the day after our Christmas party, electricity was cut off even if, at this time, intensity was still low: of course, there was rain and wind but it was still ok.
Early afternoon I was confident and even texting my contacts in France (co-worker, family, friends) explaining them that’s everything was ok
Early afternoon I was confident and even texting my contacts in France (co-worker, family, friends) explaining them that’s everything was ok. Then at 16h-16h30 everything get stronger: we loose communication signals; at 5pm a eucalyptus tree 20meter high fall on the house; lucky for us it “miss” his target but some branches damaged the roof of my room. The incredibly strong noises it made surprise me; quickly I change of room to avoid the roof to collapse on me. At 6pm it gets worst: stronger wind and rain; Paw-Paw (the dog) was totally stresses and I was preparing to leave if anything happened…
At 8pm the grandchildren of the neighbor came in our home because their shelter was totally flooded and their grandparents were blocked by a tree who fell.
Then intensity start to decrease and when we awake, the day after, it wasn’t raining anymore but damages were important. I share some pictures for you to have a better idea. With the neighbor we had to cut a fallen tree to be able to clear the path to the road, we clean also little. Going into town I realize that most of people have no water, no electricity and no communication (all signal were off).
Old people say they never experience something this strong here in Palawan...
Old people say they never experience something this strong here in Palawan; nobody was prepared. After 4 days (I’m currently writing this article on Tuesday) we still have no communication: I hope my family isn’t worrying too much and that I will be bale to contact them before Christmas. Electricity is back on the neighborhood but not at our place. With temperatures higher than 30degrees I throw most of the food. Bank are closed, I use the money of ABConservation for my expenses but mostly I’m worried for the unlucky ones. I don’t know how big are the damages; how many people died; how people do with no cash saving for their expenses… Me I’m really ok/good; I managed to see Jib this morning and he is fine but the roof of his house fly away. I still haven’t news from Joy, I hope she’s fine.
Life starts again fast, malls, restaurants are open and some areas have electricity but still no communication.
I’m writing this line sat on a bench next to electric power plant where lot of people come to charge their lamps, phones… My laptop is full, I’m going telling you once again I’m fine!
Last updates: Joy is fine, I managed to contact her. Communication are back Wednesday and more areas have electricity. Christmas will have place.
Merry Christmas and happy new year!
On a more sad ending: I would like to have a special thinking to all victims
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