Filipinos in the Kingdom have expressed anguish over the damage caused to property by typhoon “Utor” (named Labuyo in Philippines) that hit Philippines on Monday. “We are worried because some of our relatives and friends live near the areas hit by the typhoon,” said 56-year-old Lina Ramos, a Filipino who hails from Bulacan province, North of Manila. “A lot of houses were destroyed or damaged.”
Another OFW said that his relative’s house in Aurora, one of the provinces that was directly affected by the typhoon, was blown away by the strong winds which swept through the country.
Typhoon Labuyo caused massive floods and landslides all over central and northern parts of the Philippines and resulted in the death of two men, damaged property and displaced 137,374 residents. Some fishermen reported missing in the typhoon have managed to return to their families.
Filipinos in Saudi Arabia said that on seeing live telecasts, videos and images of the destruction caused by typhoon Labuyo via Internet, they contacted their relatives to find out about their well-being.
Classes from the preparatory, elementary, high school and college levels were closed in Manila while schools located in heavily affected areas were closed till the typhoon moves out of the Philippines.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that typhoon Labuyo was only the 12th out of the 20 typhoons forecast to hit the Philippines this year. The typhoon is currently moving toward Southern China and is expected to intensify on its way there, experts said.
Meanwhile, Filipinos in the Kingdom expressed their willingness to help typhoon victims in the Philippines.
“Being helpful is one of the core values for us Filipinos,” one OFW said.
“It is only natural then for us to help our fellowmen whose properties were damaged by the typhoon and hopefully assist them in the crisis they are facing.”
OFWs worried as typhoon batters country
