Despite the widespread devastation caused by Super Typhoon Mawar in Guam, the Filipino community has been fortunate to report their safety and well-being.
In an interview with DZRH Dos Por Dos, Roy Salvador, the leader of the Filipino Community in Guam (FILCOM), said the impact of Super Typhoon Mawar is unlike anything they have experienced in the past two decades.
"Marami naman talagang abiso [ang government authorities ng Guam], kaya nga lang, within the past 20 years ay laging lumilihis [ang bagyo]. Kaya ang mga ibang tao, sinasabi na 'oh, lilihis din 'yan'," Salvador said.
"Siguro, naging kampante ang mga tao. Karamihan naman ng mga bahay dito [ay] talagang kongkreto mula dingding hanggang bubong pero merong syempre mahilig tayong gumawa ng mag extension na kung saan saan nagtitipon-tipon, naggagawa tayo ng mga garden shed natin, gumagawa tayo ng lutuan sa labas, ayon po talaga 100% nagliparan po talaga lahat," he added.
Amidst the chaos and destruction, Salvador expressed gratitude that no Filipinos were reported to have been affected or harmed by the powerful typhoon.
"So far naman, nagpapasalamat kami dahil wala pa namang nai-report na any casualties. Pero sinasabi ko talaga na ang damages sa ating pong mga kabahayan, sasakyan ay grabe po."
With approximately 51,000 Filipinos comprising nearly 40% of Guam's population, the safety of this community is a reassuring outcome in the wake of the natural disaster.
Meanwhile, in the latest report of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Typhoon Mawar has re-intensified into a super typhoon as it moves closer to the Philippines from the Northern Mariana Island, Guam.
