Marikina locals unsure over how to rebuild as Ulysses ruins 8,000 homes

Over a week since Ulysses ravaged Marikina City, several residents are still reeling from the destruction of their homes while they take temporary shelter inside evacuation centers.

According to Maki Pulido’s “24 Oras” report on Monday, Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said Ulysses damaged 8,000 homes in the city, leaving several families with nowhere to go.

“Kung ako po, gustong gusto ko na umuwi e,” Rosalinda Senteno said through tears. “Kasi hindi po ako sanay na umaasa sa ibang tao. Pinagdadasal ko na lang po na maging ligtas po kami, mapagawa po ‘yung bahay namin kahit papaano.”

“Kaya iniisip ko, paano kapag hindi na kami puwede dito? Siyempre, hindi naman po puwede magtagal dito,” she added.

Teodoro assured evacuees that there is no deadline for them to leave.

Marilyn Torral’s loss of her job due to the pandemic was compounded by Ulysses’ destruction of her house.

“Kung kanino ako puwedeng makalapit, makahingi ng tulong. Wala namang maayos na trabaho kami dahil simula no’ng mag-pandemic, wala kaming maayos na trabaho,” she said.

The Marikina government sought the assistance of the National Housing Authority (NHA) to help residents rebuild after the storm.

“Tayo’y nagpatulong sa NHA para makapagbigay sila ng mga housing materials,” Teodoro said.

The onslaught of Ulysses raised the Marikina River’s water level to 22 meters and forced residents up to their roofs to escape the flooding. rooftops. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News