KC Concepcion visits Bagyong Sendong victims in CDO

KC Concepcion feeding a Bagyong Sendong survivor

KC Concepcion joined other local artists in distributing aid to the victims of Bagyong Sendong in Cagayan de Oro (CDO). KC was on an official visit as the national Ambassador Against Hunger of the United Nations World Food Programme. KC said their group went to CDO to give fortified food, water and other basic needs to the people affected by the storm.

KC also shared her experience in the areas devastated by Sendong.

"I was amazed how eerie it felt. It is quite depressing. It was ironically peaceful at the time that we went," KC told ANC.

"It is important to show them [Sendong victims] that they are not alone," she added.

The World Food Programme is also providing psycho-social debriefing to children to help them cope with the trauma brought on by the catastrophe.

Among the celebrities who had gone to the areas badly hit by Sendong to help in handing out relief goods were Kris Aquino, Angel Locsin, Anne curtis, Vice Ganda, Diether Ocampo, Sam Milby, Derek Ramsay and Nikki Valdez.

Meanwhile, according to the latest data from the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Council, the Sendong death toll has now rose to 1,100. And from just 51 yesterday, the number of missing individuals has drastically jumped to 1,079.

Sendong victims rescued at sea (Raw Video)

Sendon victims rescued at sea by seafarers

A video of a random rescue of Sendong victims swept out to the sea has been posted on Youtube. The video shows eight individuals, 5 of them are children, who were desperately clinging to wooden debris to remain afloat 12 kilometers away from the nearest shore in Iligan City, one of the most badly affected areas of the Tropical Storm Sendong. They were spotted by seamen aboard the M/V Yang A who immediately facilitated a rescue operation.

In the video, the victims, only one of them knows how to swim, can be heard saying they have been drifted to the sea by a gush of flood water that hit their homes Friday night - they were rescued the next morning. One of the adult women says she had her kids with her and is worried about them since she thinks they are dead already.

Check out below the said video courtesy of "tatacalungsod":


A number of Sendong victims were sent offshore by flood. Some of them were found as far as 80 kilometers from land - many were dead.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Sendong death toll has now climbed to 1,010 - 650 in Cagayan de Oro City, 283 in Iligan City and the rest in other areas. At least 51 people are still missing.

Bagyong Sendong: Netizens furious over controversial Facebook comment

Bagyong Sendong: Controversial Facebook comment goes viral

A screen capture of a Facebook "wall post" from a certain Celine Acut is making the rounds on the social networking site right now. In the post, the Facebook user said the dead victims of Tropical Storm Sendong "better die this early." There is no use of living in poverty and hunger, she said.

"according to the news, almost all of the victims are poor families, so it's better that they all die this early... whats the point of living a life which is full of hunger. at least they are now resting with peace.. they are worthless, they are unproductive and thier lives has no value at all.. they are just making more problems to the society so as i sadi its better that they have died this early... they don't deserve a chance to live because they are poor, they are not VIP anyways... I even wish sendong to come back and flash away those remaining poor families over there.." the post reads.

The said Facebook post has been shared more than two thousand times as of this writing. It has also received more than a thousand of responses from angry netizens who lambasted the user and the rude commentary. Here are some of the comments:

"I agree with Garnet, the person who wrote these comments is in need of help. Mentally, Morally, Emotionally and Spiritually. I have no idea where they get this idea to make these types of statements. This type of statement makes me sad for this person and for their fate in days to come. We will forget these comments in time but this one will remain in this state unless a repentant heart is granted." - Tom William

"to Celine Acut.. If only you have seen our pitiful situation Im sure Your Iron heart will melt, IF NOT MELT IT IN THE DEEPEST PIT OF HELL TOGETHER WITH YOUR DECAYING SOUL. Just think if one of your love ones was caught in this tragedy how will you feel. I feel sorry for your love ones having the likes of you. GO TO HELL..." - Giacomo Estenzo

"wow! and you call yourself a human being? and you say they are 'useless to society'? Well let me tell you this YOU'RE USELESS TO SOCIETY NOT DOING ANYTHING! By criticizing this people who have nothing makes no less than them..you are not worth being called a person for you have disgraced the human heart. I hope you have just reflected on how worthless and low you are." - Maia Lucagbo

Bagyong Sendong Update - December 16, 2011

Bagyong Sendong (Tropical Storm Sendong) has made a landfall near Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophsical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) says.

Bagyong Sendong satellite image as of 5 p.m., December 16, 2011 | Source: PAGASA

According to the 5p.m. bulletin from the PAGASA, Bagyong Sendong is estimated based on satellite and surface data at the vicinity of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur with coordinates 8.2°N, 126.1eg;E. Packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness up to 80 kph, the weather disturbance is forecast to move West Northwest at 24 kph.

Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS) are still hoisted over the following areas:

Signal Number 2 (60-100 kph winds) - Surigao Del Norte, Siargao Island, Surigao Del Sur, Dinagat Province, Agusan Provinces, Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, and Camiguin.

Signal Number 1 (45-60 kph winds) - Palawan, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Southern Leyte, Siquijor, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato, Samal Island, Maguindanao, Davao del Sur, and Zamboanga Province.

The state weather bureau warns residents in low lying and mountainous areas under PSWS to be vigilant of possible flashfloods and landslides as well as those those living in coastal areas against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone. Mining operators and small scale miners are also alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides and take necessary precautionary measures. Meanwhile, fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea.

The PAGASA adds that Bagyong Sendong will bring an estimated rainfall amount of 10 - 25 mm per hour (heavy) within its 400-km diameter.