< typhoons have hit the Philippines in the last 2 weeks, Typhoon Ketsana and Parma. More than 600 people have died. More than 500,000 people have been displaced. More than $340 million worth of infrastructure has been destroyed.
Over the weekend, I heard Californians worrying about the big rainstorm coming their way—a rainstorm caused by the lingering after-effects of the Philippine typhoons.
For us, storms like these mean jumping in puddles, secure in our knowledge that warmth and comfort awaits us inside the dormitory. Even when we face negative effects from these storms—such as getting sprayed by a passing car driving through a puddle—we know we can go home and change clothing.
That’s why I’m asking you—for all the puddles we get to jump over, and for all the piles of snow we get to stick our friends’ faces in without worrying about repercussions like frostbite—please remember the people who are not as fortunate.
For many in the Philippines, these weather disturbances are not so manageable. A lack of infrastructure combined with torrential rain means wading through dirty water, carrying family members who cannot swim, and rescuing bodies from nearby landslides.
To help the people in the Philippines, members of Carleton’s community are sending them fresh clothing. If you have anything that you can spare, please drop it off in one of the drop boxes either in front of Campus Activities or on the first floor of your dorm.