Zelfa Zabal, 57, is a rice cake vendor residing in Barangay Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan. Zelfa is one of over 43,000 survivors of Severe Tropical Storm Paeng in the capital town of Kalibo, province of Aklan.

“Our experience with Paeng is terrible. The flood is comparable to that of Typhoon Frank [2008] and Super Typhoon Yolanda [2013],” said Zelfa.

According to reports from PCDR’s Disaster Preparedness Committee (DPC) in Poblacion, Kalibo, C. Lacerna Street, where Zelfa is residing, was totally submerged under mud flood as early as October 27 due to the rising water level in the Aklan river.

“We evacuated from our house when the flood was up to our waist,” said Zelfa. “I wanted to go back to check for our house because when we evacuated, some of our things were already washed away by the flood. But the current was too strong so I did not go back,” she added.

“When we were inside the evacuation center, the water kept on rising. I then heard from somebody that our house was already submerged under the flood,” Zelfa said. “When we went back to our community the next day, we could not walk well as the mud is up to our knees. All of the things inside our house were covered with mud,” Zelfa added.

Zelfa also shared that their organization, KADAMAY – Aklan and the DPCs from their community led in assisting the evacuation of the people when the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management did not go back due to the strong current. She added that after the flood subsided, the DPCs also led in the conduct of the clean-up and clearing drives in their community. During said activity, PCDR was also able to extend help in providing hot meals to the volunteers and other survivors in Poblacion, Kalibo.

Last November 12-13, PCDR was able to successfully deliver relief assistance to 300 urban poor families severely affected by STS Paeng in Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan. The activity was supported by Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe and Citizens’ Disaster Response Center.

“On behalf of all the survivors of Paeng, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you who gave us these blessings. Thank you very much for helping us,” said Zelfa.

As a vendor, Zelfa also expressed their need for further support so they can recover from the impacts of STS Paeng. Aside from shelter repair support, Zelfa also expressed their need for livelihood support. //