I would like to send my heartfelt thanks to everyone who remembered the Philippines, who sent emails, and who thought about the people in this country amidst the disastrous flash flooding in the southern region killing over a thousand people.

Investigations are underway following reports that logging activities in the area might be responsible for the mass killing and wipe-out of entire villages as mud and logs cascaded down mountainsides in Cagayan de Oro, See http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Latest-News-Wires/2011/1220/Typhoon-Sendong-Did-illegal-logging-cause-flash-flooding-in-Philippines

News about relief activities may be found at http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/345474/dotc-extends-assistance-sendong-victims

I pray for peace and recovery in the hearts of everyone who was affected by Sendong, and that investigations will bring light to the causes and conditions that brought this disaster – so that this may not happen again in future.

Typhoon Sendong passed us by here in Bohol island, and that day was overcast and quiet, the air was totally still. Then the following day it started to rain. People here are grateful to have been “spared” and also now wary of quarrying and other “developments” that can wreck havoc on the environment. I hope we never forget the signs and learn from the signs.

Sincerely,
Fatima

PS. Friends outside the Philippines who wish to Donate to the relief efforts in Mindanao, please go to READ Philippines, Inc website. READ Philippines, Inc is a volunteer, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization incorporated in the State of Florida and recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. READ Philippines, Inc is a proud member of the Jacksonville Asian American Alliance.