On the eve of November 1, these women in Metro Manila were caught preparing for the arrival of super typhoon Rolly, the strongest typhoon to hit land this year. They shared their thoughts as the typhoon neared: #RollyPH, COVID19, and the fears that came with it.

Alicia, a resident of San Juan City, shares her fears of floods and COVID-19.
© Greenpeace / Basilio Sepe

For Nanay Alicia (58) of Brgy. Salapan, San Juan City, there’s no getting used to the floods that strong typhoons and even monsoon rains bring in. When she heard about the possibility of RollyPH hitting Metro Manila, the harrowing memories of Ondoy in 2009 rushed in–with the hope that they won’t experience it again. But in reality, recent disasters have been even more worrying because she knows she is also at risk of COVID-19.

“Naranasan naming lumusong sa hanggang dibdib na baha. Kahit sanay kami sa baha, ayaw na namin uling maramdaman yun. Natatakot ako para sa aking mga apo at anak. Kung maaari nga lang ay wag na kaming mag-evacuate dahil natatakot rin ako sa COVID-19.” – Alicia

The case is no different for Erlita (49), who, as a resident in the coastal area of Brgy. Tangos North in Navotas City, often finds herself evacuating due to threats of flooding.

Erlita, a resident of Navotas City, often finds herself evacuating due to threats of flooding.
© Greenpeace / Basilio Sepe

“Hindi pa nga kami totoong nakakabangon sa Habagat, namulot lang kami ng kawayan para maitayo ulit yung bahay namin. Tapos ngayon, iniisip na naman namin kung paano kami ngayong palakas nang palakas ang mga alon.” – Erlita

For her neighbor, Desiree Salalacan (19), a mother of a 2-year-old and a soon-to-be born, her fears are for long-term.

Desiree, a mother of a two-year-old and a soon-to-be-born, fears for her children’s safety.
© Greenpeace / Basilio Sepe

“Noong nagkaroon ng malakas na habagat, kakapanganak ko pa lang at nasira ang bahay namin. Ngayon naman, buntis ako ulit. Natatakot ako para sa kanila, ang bahay namin kahoy lang. Ang hirap ng buhay kapag may sakuna, lalo ngayong may COVID pa. – Desiree

Three women, three stories, three fears — all requiring immediate and urgent actions. Alicia, Erlita, and Desiree are all of us. And we are all experiencing the fears triggered by the climate crisis, when we have the least contribution in it.

We must keep seeking solutions, responsibility, and actions. Declare a #ClimateEmergency now.