On September 26, it rained like never before. The evening prior, it was already raining non-stop. Still, I went on with my usual routine and went to work. That night, it was one of those fateful days when I would rather curl up in bed and sleep the whole night through. I clocked in half past my schedule. I was late for work.
The night was cool and breezy. The rain continued. The double espresso caramel macchiato didn't help me much. I don't usually buy Starbucks coffee but Friday night was an emergency - I was groggy with sleep.
By the time my shift ended, the skies were darker and the rain came to a heavy downpour. I skipped my regular Saturday fanfare at the Salcedo market because I have to run some errands and I didn't want to be stuck in traffic.
I took my son to his Kumon classes despite the bad weather. I thought the rains would stop but unfortunately it didn't. When his class was over, the streets were already flooded. We had to walk past the murky, icky and disgusting flood just to get a ride home.
Homebound, more floods. And at home, the flood is already knee-deep. People started to evacuate their things to higher places. The water continued to rise and by 11 p.m., the power went out.
I got calls from the office and my boss checking if I was okay. Because we didn't have electricity, I had no way of knowing what was going on in other areas. Plus, my landphone and cellphone went dead the following morning. It was only today that I have read all the updates about the lost lives, destroyed properties and stranded people on the streets.
Photo c/o The Associated Press
The office will extend help to those employees who were affected by the typhoon and being one of the lucky ones who didn't suffer as much, I'd like to help out as well. I commend my company for touching base with the employees in the midst of the calamity. It's greatly appreciated.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
How Does Your Company Respond To Natural Disasters?
Labels: Corporate scene, Natural calamity
Posted by Mari at 9/27/2009
3 comments:
I'm glad you and the family are all safe. I'm also glad to know that both the boss and the company were thoughtful enough to check on your and other employees' welfare during such a horrendous time.
good to know you are safe. At the end of the day, when people's lives are endangered, they should not come to work.
Most large corporations nowadays have disaster sites far away from the main office and if disaster strikes such as calamities and terrorism, work can be continued there by staff who are considered "critical" to business operations.
good to know that you are all safe. In times like this, the company should be compassionate. I am lucky that the culture of my company prioritizes people. You can really feel "no man is left behind"
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