Typhoon Fung-wong Causes Devastation in Philippines, Ottawa Community Reacts

UPDATE: The Filipino community in Ottawa is heartbroken as Typhoon Fung-wong has wreaked havoc across the Philippines, leaving at least 18 dead and displacing more than 1 million people. The storm made landfall earlier this week, causing devastating floods, landslides, and widespread power outages.

As the storm’s impact unfolds, feelings of distress and helplessness permeate the Ottawa Filipino community. Owner of Sweet Puspin cafe in the Byward Market, Michelle Sartzetakis, expressed her anguish watching the devastation on social media. “It breaks my heart that they’re going through that,” she stated. “You see people really in distress when the water is coming up in their home.”

Sartzetakis, who has personal experience with the effects of typhoons, recalled her family’s struggle during Typhoon Bopha over a decade ago. “We didn’t hear from them for four days. We didn’t know whether they were alive or not,” she said, emotional as she reflected on their ordeal. This personal connection drives her to help those affected by Fung-wong.

In response to the crisis, Sartzetakis has initiated a fundraiser at her cafe, donating tips and proceeds from jelly sago drinks directly to relief efforts in the Philippines. “One thing great about Filipinos — we’re very, very resilient,” she noted, highlighting the community’s commitment to supporting one another in times of crisis.

At the Filipino Community Church of Ottawa, senior pastor Alvin Molito pointed out the increasing frequency of super typhoons like Fung-wong. “We kind of expected before the end of the year, we will have two or three super typhoons,” he warned. After prayer, his congregation’s first action has been to check in with family back home.

Molito emphasized that many members are now sending money transfers to support relatives and friends impacted by the storm. “What our community would do is send support to our family so that our families in the Philippines can support those who are directly affected.” However, he noted that financial aid does not always reach those in need immediately. “You can send money, that’s easy. But they’re not going to be able to buy anything for food and water because there’s no resources to get those,” Sartzetakis added.

As relief efforts intensify across the Philippines, the emotional toll on those connected to the disaster remains significant. “You go to sleep and it’s in your head. It’s like playing over and over again in your head,” Sartzetakis shared, emphasizing the concern for loved ones and the struggle to ensure their safety.

With the storm still fresh in the minds of those in Ottawa, community members are urged to come together to provide support. As the situation develops, the focus remains on ensuring that those affected by Typhoon Fung-wong receive the help they urgently need.