Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao Del Norte - The United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) AidTatabanga project responded to victims of typhoon Paeng that recently brought devastation to various towns of Maguindanao Del Norte, who were in dire need of help as the storm exited on October 28, 2022, leaving thousands of people of the province in desperate situation.

Sharing her story, Amera Makarimbang- Yusop, women's sector representative from barangay Pura said in local vernacular, "During the calamity, we evacuated to the mountain, to avoid the flood."

"Ever since it happened, whenever we see storms coming from the sea, we go to the mountains to take shelter, out of fear and worries," she added.

The storm survivor said, "Right now, we have no work, thus we have no source of income, especially me, because I am a single mom.  "We mainly rely on the assistance given to us," she answered when asked about their source of income.

On his account, Elmar Yares Quinto of barangay Matuber, stated that he, his family, and the people around them barely managed to get out of their homes safely.

"The flood was so strong, and it came swiftly," Quinto added. "Now, we live in the school-turned-evacuation center. I have no work because of what happened, and it is very hard," he shared.

Barangay Pura and Matuber are some of the villages greatly affected by the typhoon Paeng. The people who lived in those areas had all been through trauma, and any change in the weather caused them to panic.

Residents of barangay Pura specifically pointed out their need for water hose so that water supply would reach the remote parts of the village. They also manifested their need for fishing boats since the storm totally wrecked their fishing vessels.

The farmers aired their need for their farm machineries to be replaced or repaired for them to resume their farming activities.

The drivers also related that their vehicles were also dilapidated, and they prayed for their replacement or repair.

The small business owners also called for the provision of seed capital so they could start all over again with their livelihood activities.

Because of the typhoon, classes were cancelled at Barungisan Primary School in Barangay Narkan in Datu Blas Sinsuat, and the same situation is expected in the other areas.

There were also reports that many children are suffering from colds, cough, and fever. In response, the local health units have already distributed medicines to the community.

The people of flood-affected towns of Maguindanao Del Norte are still calling for help, especially food, clothing, hygiene kits, and alike, until they are fully back on their feet. (With reports from Jomar M. Marquez/UNYPAD)