Heavy downpour in Sulu

Heavy downpour in Sulu
By Gamson Jr Mawallil Quijano

The heavy downpour in Sulu last Friday, October 23, 2020 caused high floodwater in many areas downtown and hugely affected the businesses of people. The floodwater outside reached almost one's waistline and has also entered many houses and business establishments. I believe it has damaged many foods, drinks, gadgets, furniture, household items and commercial products, too. I hope not. 

Photo and caption from the FB page of Barangay San Raymundo: 

BDRRM/ Emergency Response Team Ng Barangay San Raymundo agarang rumusponde sa mga pamilyang na trap ng baha sa Sitio Lubbak at Hassan Bridge.

Certainly the aftermath of this heavy downpour would make everyone extremely exhausted because of immense general cleaning of the huge filthy muds and garbages that flowed along with the floodwater. 

Sulu Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office works intensively to respond quickly to help the affected communities and families of the said heavy downpour. 

Amidst that worrying situation that day, there was one scene I saw on FB LIVE that touched me. Wading into the floodwater, my uncle Khan Tulawie and my cousins went to the house of their beloved mother and granny in Matada to rescue her from possible harm from the rising floodwater if the downpour continues. 

Using a floatable container, they placed her into it and securely take her into the truck waiting outside. They embarked on that truck and brought her to the other safe house. What a kindhearted gesture of a son to his mother. 

Photo captured by Khan Tulawie last Friday outside of his residence in Jolo. 

Moreover, the photos posted on FB depicting some children overjoyed bathing in the downpour while wading in the floodwater reminds me of my childhood days in Sulu whenever it rains. 

However, only now I have realized that it is dangerous to do that due to leptospirosis and other waterborne diseases not to mention fatal accidents. 

When I was still a kid, whenever it rains in Jolo, I always hear some elders would say, “never wade into that floodwater because it comes from Sanitarium.” I wondered why they say that, but, whenever we heard that warning, we would somehow feel afraid. 

But now I know that Sanitarium is one of the health institutions in Sulu that provides immense health care services to my fellow Tausug. Most especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic, this hospital is one of the active warriors in combating this unseen and agonizing enemy. 

To Sulu Sanitarium, IPHO, and other health facilities across Sulu, "SARIBU’ PAGSARANG SUKUR" for being at the frontline in rendering invaluable health services to protect and safeguard our beloved Sulu during this most challenging health crisis.

I hope and pray that everyone is safe and sound and the downpour has subsided now.