Another shock to the community happened last Saturday night. A fire swept through the last block of 12th St near the canal and destroyed the homes of 24 families. Miraculously, they all escaped and only a couple small injuries were reported. It took a very long time for the fire trucks to arrive, and there was complete chaos on the street. Adults and children were crying and in shock. Once the fire was out, the local authorities opened the Barangay Hall Covered Court for temporary housing. During our first visit the women broke down and cried and all needed extra strong hugs and prayers! It was an emotional time as they all shared stories. Nanay Linda told how she put her 28 yr old disabled grandson under one arm and another grandchild under the other and dragged them out of the burning building. Another family escaped with eight children through a break in the plywood wall of their upstairs shanty and ran over the tin roof to get away from the flames. They have lost all their belongings except for the clothes they were wearing and a handful of items they could grab as they ran.
Thanks to all who are helping with gifts of food, clothes, bedding, tarps for shelter and more. The families expressed their gratefulness to those of you who have prayed and helped in practical ways. The city also brought food and now the mayor has awarded each family with some money to buy roofing materials. Unfortunately we have a super typhoon predicted to hit our city by Friday, so we aren't sure where these families can take cover. The children are still afraid and some having nightmares of their narrow escape. We are trying to organize a debriefing time with skilled childrens workers to be held at the Saturday children's ministry and feeding time.We will keep you updated.
Here are pictures from the fire and life at the covered court.
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