EDITORIAL - We passed the Odette trial

One year ago today, Cebu was hit by one of the most devastating storms to ever reach its shores, typhoon Odette, a storm that hit six regions and affected an estimated 9.9 million people in all.

Typhoon Odette arrived just when many of us were getting ready for bed. When we woke up in the morning --figuratively speaking of course because the storm kept many of us awake and terrified for most of the night-- we woke up to a devastated Cebu.

The first thing many noticed was the loss of power. Except for a lucky few there was no internet and no cellphone service. The distribution of water was also disrupted. The many roads rendered impassable due to the sheer tons of debris and fallen trees added to the problems. People had to line up for hours for basic necessities and fuel.

We keep saying this; Cebu, for so long the one used to helping other provinces get back on their feet following calamities or natural disasters, was the one that needed help badly.

And help did come. Private individuals, charitable groups, people’s organizations, and other local government units came with aid. Linemen from other areas helped to fix the power grid, even if they were also needed at home.

Despite the help that came, the damage was so extensive that many would not have access to power, water, or other utilities for even months after the storm. Today, if you know where to look you can still see some of the damage caused.

It was a silent Christmas, no doubt, with many spending it in the dark and in silence.

But while the storm broke almost everything else, it was not able to break our spirit, our faith, and our love for one another. There was no looting, there was no unrest. There were no violent squabbles to get supplies.

In fact those who could manage to do so helped out, they provided food, water, or much-needed power out of their own pocket. It was not unusual to see someone with power restored letting neighbors charge their devices for free. Such sites provided the sight of small communities gathered around the only source of light and power for blocks around, offering each other strength.

While others say Odette was a failure when it came to weather reporting, government response, and quick repairs, it was a trial that we passed as a people, as individuals looking out for each other.

Of course we don’t hope for another Odette to come, but suffice to say we overcame the Odette trial, and we can overcome any other trial that will come our way.