Cleanup Crew in CDO

contributed by Jojo Saballero 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Capdevile and Elena Elumbaring were oblivious to the flashfloods ravaging their city, until water began entering their living room. Before they could think of evacuating, it was already too late to save their home.

As the flood rose up to seven feet, Capdevile and Elena, along with their grandchildren, moved into their neighbor’s house, where they were ushered to the second floor. But soon, the water submerged the whole first floor and threatened to rise even further up. They then transferred to another neighbor’s house through a passage of walls and roofs.

Their community’s unity in helping one another resulted to zero casualties in their compound. But as the sun rose the next day, the deluge of tropical storm Sendong’s flashflood became overwhelming to survivors.

The Elumbaring couple tried to hire people to clean their home, but they failed since almost everyone in their community was greatly affected, too. This left them no other option but to clean by themselves.

That’s why the couple was so surprised when a team of volunteers from Operation Blessing and local groups offered to do the cleaning for free. They were armed with shovels, brushes, rakes, power sprays, and drums to accomplish their mission.

Before the day ended, the pathway was cleaned from mud and garbage, and so were their living room and walls.

For Capdevile and Elena, the cleanup crew was a heaven-sent. The couple’s desperation was turned into thankfulness after seeing their house cleaned and sanitized with soap and chlorine.

The Elumbarings were able to save money for the cleanup. The work didn’t become too strenuous and stressful for them as they enjoyed the company of the volunteers who helped them. They exchanged stories and shared smiles. Their troubled hearts were lightened and they were extremely thankful for this activity.

This cleanup drive was done by Operation Blessing in partnership with Cagayan de Oro Ministries Association.

MORE THAN 52,000 THANKS TO YOU!

As of January 19, close to 52,000 Sendong-affected victims are grateful to you—because you chose to support Operation Blessing’s various disaster relief activities. All of them say a heartfelt “Thank you!”