Monday 28 September 2009

Typhoon Ketsana, and a true Philippines Hero

The world has been shocked at the effect of Typhoon Ketsana, which (in the rainy seaon), dumped a month's worth of rain on Manila in just a few hours.

Lots of heartbreaking stories are emerging about lives lost, and how residents are coping - many having become displaced.

An 18-year-old construction worker, Muelmar Magallanes, braved rampaging floods in the Philippines to save more than 30 people, but ended up sacrificing his life in a last trip to rescue a baby girl and her mother who were being swept away on a styrofoam box. Read more.

The bravery and self-sacrifice of Muelmar Magallanes is an inspiration to us all. May he rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in his bravery.