Typhoon Ampil, the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines in years, left a trail of destruction in its wake. The typhoon made landfall in Eastern Samar on May 12, bringing with it torrential rains and winds of up to 270 kilometers per hour.
The typhoon caused widespread flooding and landslides, destroying homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Hundreds of thousands of people were left homeless, and at least 15 people were killed.
I remember watching the news reports about the typhoon, and my heart went out to the victims. I couldn't imagine what it must have been like to go through such a devastating experience.
A few days later, I had the opportunity to talk to a friend who had been living in the Philippines when the typhoon hit. She told me about the terrifying experience of being trapped in her home as the winds raged outside.
"The winds were so strong that they shook the walls of my house," she said. "I was so scared that I thought the roof was going to blow off."
She was lucky to survive the typhoon, but many others were not so fortunate. The typhoon caused widespread damage to the Philippines, and it will take years for the country to recover.
The typhoon is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for disasters. We should all take steps to ensure that we are ready for the next time a typhoon strikes.
Here are some tips for preparing for a typhoon: