The Cagayan de Oro City Disaster where my girl lives!

[Terpe]

It's a sad situation, and I feel for all those families affected. Unfortunately the government really is behind the curve on this, too much money being milked off the people instead of into infrastructure and flood defences etc.

Ricky, our family and friends do not blame the govt or local authorities. This was a completely 'rogue' event.
Everyone we have contact to have all praised the local authorities for a well organised effort that helped many but was never going to be able to do much more than counter the very worst of this freak event.

It's just too easy to place blame here.

Such things can and do happen anywhere in the world (even here in UK) , and any official govt plan can be jumped upon on as being inadequate by those who are ill-informed and not impacted.

[Terpe]

Ricky, our family and friends do not blame the govt or local authorities. This was a completely 'rogue' event.
Everyone we have contact to have all praised the local authorities for a well organised effort that helped many but was never going to be able to do much more than counter the very worst of this freak event.

It's just too easy to place blame here.

Such things can and do happen anywhere in the world (even here in UK) , and any official govt plan can be jumped upon on as being inadequate by those who are ill-informed and not impacted.

Ricky, my apologies if I sounded overly fractious. It wasn't my intention mate. I'm just a bit wound up at the moment. Carina has been attempting to contact friends and family all day and all communications are very sporadic.
We cancelled a Birthday get together tonight due to this. We promised to attend but it seems the reasons for our cancellation is not well received. Bloody typical.!!

I need to send some money asap and getting all the logistics planned is getting to be a major problem.
Technology is wonderful when it works. Otherwise..................

Sorry if I offended anyone

[Doc Alan]

Sorry if I offended anyone

No member who has read your posts on two threads could possibly be offended, Peter ( Terpe ), what you have said is heartfelt from one of many members who have connections with Mindanao.
This is a disaster, the consequences of which are still evolving. We know that the 20 or so typhoons and storms to affect the Philippines each year almost always affect the north. Unsurprisingly therefore, despite warnings allegedly given 3 days before the storm made landfall, many were unprepared for its severity. The mayor of Cagayan de Oro said " This is the first time this has happened in our city ".
It's too early to even think about allocating blame. Britain and its airports grind to a halt with 2" of snow - because it doesn't happen as often as it used to, or as predictably as in other countries. Any UK hospital on its own may be unable to cope with a major accident. Questions arise as to how many precious resources can be available to prepare for rare disasters.
In time, there may be criticism that not enough has been done to prepare for or respond to these Philippines floods.
But already there are responses at all levels. Peter and other individuals are doing what they can, all credit to you Doctors, nurses and other health workers are responding, as are the Philippines National Red Cross, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and thousands of soldiers have been mobilised. US Secretary State Hillary Clinton said the " US is ready to help " and the Chinese Embassy has promised $10,000 towards relief efforts.
Of course this couldn't have happened at a worst time, in the run up to Christmas. Sadly Christmas is not " merry " for many people. Even without a major disaster like this one, individuals still have mixed feelings with memories of loved ones no longer with them, bad news such as a diagnosis of cancer, or worries about finance. Don't feel guilty if you can enjoy Christmas - last night's members' " get together " in Derby was enjoyed by all - but count your blessings if you do !