With zero belongings left, typhoon-hit San Mateo residents ask: 'Paano kami magsisimula?'

For residents of a barangay in San Mateo, Rizal, severely affected by Typhoon Ulysses, starting over is not as easy as it sounds.

San Mateo was among the towns in Rizal province that experienced massive flooding during Ulysses' onslaught last week, with floodwaters reaching several feet high and destroying many houses.

Residents who found their house still standing after Ulysses have to contend with thick mud inside their homes that they say would take days to clear.

"Sobrang hirap, hindi ko alam kung paano magsisimula ng bagong buhay," said Preschelle Cruz, a resident of Barangay Sta. Ana, in James Agustin's report on Unang Balita on Tuesday.

"Hindi ko alam kung ano gagawin ko, ultimo pansapin sa higaan wala kaming nailigtas," she added.

Still, Preschelle was thankful that no one among her family and relatives were hurt during the typhoon, which, according to latest government tally, has killed 67 people.

Another Sta. Ana resident, Desirie Cabasag, who was staying in an evacuation center, echoed Preschelle's sentiment on the difficulty of starting over.

"Hindi namin alam kung paano uli kami mag-uumpisa dahil lahat po ng gamit namin nawala, as in ubos," she said.

Reynaldo Trinidad, another resident, said he could not believe how his belongings could be gone in an instant because of the flood that reached his home.

"Ang hirap po talaga, dahil ang tagal mong pinundar, sa isang iglap mawawala agad, masisira," he said.

Like many other victims of the typhoon, the residents of Sta. Ana are appealing for help.   --KBK, GMA News