A death of a child is one too many. But for Raynaldo, losing his children and whole family from a disaster is an unimaginable loss any father would never wish to experience.
As Typhoon Kristine pounded the lakeside town of Talisay in Batangas, Raynaldo Dajucos, 36, and his family huddled inside their home, waiting for the storm to pass.
The situation, after all, was nothing new to them as they learned to cope with the challenges of living in a typhoon-prone area. Although they knew that they may need to evacuate at some point, on the fateful day of October 23, they chose to stay put.
“I told my family not to leave because the children might get sick, catch a cold, or be struck by lightning during the storm. My wife was also not feeling well so we agreed for us to stay home and go to my in-law’s place after,” Reynaldo recalled.
Despite the storm, Raynaldo went out to fish, resolute that his family would be safe at home. Little did he know of the impending tragedy that awaits and would forever change his life.
“When I learned that our house had been buried in the landslide, I rushed home as soon as I could. Upon coming back, all I saw was our house reduced to rubble with rocks, mud, and water flowing everywhere.
I began digging the mud until I found my child's foot first, then my wife's foot, and I continued until I had unearthed all six of my family members. My child was even clutching the bag we were supposed to bring when we evacuate...”
Over 40,000 residents were caught by surprise by the mudslide that struck Talisay that resulted in massive devastation of properties and loss of 20 lives, 15 of whom were children as reported by local authorities.
Despite the devastating loss, Save the Children extended a hand of hope to Reynaldo, providing him with essential items to help him start anew.
“Honestly, I don’t know how to start. But almost everyone who comes here offers me help. I feel that I am not alone, and the support around me gives me strength to rebuild and move forward,” Raynaldo said.
Save the Children Philippines reached the ground zero of the landslide in Barangay Sampaloc, Talisay, Batangas within 72 hours from the onset of #KristinePH. The leading child rights organization conducted rapid response assessment and relief distribution of lifesaving essentials and hygiene kits to affected children and families, together with humanitarian partner EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid ACCESS Project, and with the support of the Lifestrong Marketing Inc., QRR Logistics, and FWD Life Philippines.
Save the Children believes that every child should be safe from disasters. However, thousands of children and families affected by #KristinePH still need our help, and they have a long way to recovery.
Save the Children Philippines calls for pledges and support to children and families affected by #KristinePH. Sign up, get involved, and create positive lasting change and a real difference: https://bit.ly/LahatDapatSafe
For details, please reach out to us at corporateteam.ph@savethechildren.org