Ormoc is one of the cleanest and peaceful cities in the Philippines. In fact, as you look at the entire city proper it is filled with beautiful flowers and attractive outdoor plants. The streets are so clean with proper drainage. At night, you can see beautiful fountains with colorful lights. In other words, this is a city where you feel comfortable and safe.
However, there are some things or happenings which could not be avoided or detected like natural calamities. Last November 5, 1991, Ormoc City suffered the greatest tragedy during Tropical Storm Thelma when it took place in the city of Ormoc after torrential rains overwhelmed the Anilao-Malbasag watershed, sending flood waters rushing down the deforested mountainside. Residents reported hundreds of bodies floating down rivers in the area. The force of the water and mud was enough to crack the walls of city hall. Nearly 3,000 homes were destroyed and more than 11,000 others were damaged. In the city alone, officials confirmed that 4,922 people were killed and another 1,857-3,000 were left missing. The majority of those missing were likely swept out to sea by the flood and presumed dead. Two days after the storm, several bodies of those swept out to sea washed back ashore. Additionally, 3,020 people were injured. Officials stated that the death toll could have been in the tens of thousands had the flood occurred at night rather than in the middle of the day.
Raul J. Jugar
1991 FLASH FLOOD
Another unforgettable memory of Ormoc City was on November 8, 2013 that was 22 years ago after that flash flood. Again, Ormoc City was hit by a typhoon, “Yolanda”. According to PAGASA and other international weather stations, this was the strongest typhoon ever recorded in the whole world. Houses, infrastructures, school buildings, public and private properties, electricity and agriculture were damaged. Transportation and communication facilities were totally destroyed, and there were some people who died and were injured. Classes were suspended public and private schools as well as private and government services.
Raul J. Jugar
TYPHOON YOLANDA
Another unforgettable memory of Ormoc was just this July 6, 2017. The entire city was hit by a magnitude 6.5 earthquake. Mountain barangays of Ormoc City were highly affected particularly the following barangays: Tungonan, Kabingtan, Gaas, Lake Danao, and Liberty. According to PHIVOLCS representatives in the person of Jeffrey S. Perez, the said barangays were located near the fault line and recorded an 8.0 magnitude. Again, some houses, infrastructures and school buildings were destroyed. Some people were rushed to the nearest hospitals because of injuries. During that incident, panic and sorrow were clearly observed by all Ormocanons. According to our elders, that was the strongest earthquake in Ormoc City.
In spite of those calamities we encountered, Ormocanons are very strong. We are resilient in facing such kind of calamities. The value of “Bayanihan” is very visible among Ormocanons. Aside from that, national and international supports are there just to make sure that Ormoc can rise again from those unforgettable experiences.
Raul J. Jugar
2017 EARTHQUAKE
