Severe weather conditions across the Philippines have left many Filipinos living in the UAE deeply concerned for their families back home. As of Sunday, August 9, the country continues to grapple with persistent heavy rainfall, widespread flooding, landslides, and powerful winds that have disrupted daily life across multiple regions.
For Dubai-based video editor C.F., the situation became personal when she learned that a tornado had struck her hometown of Iloilo City. The incident, which occurred on the night of Saturday, August 8, hit Jaro Plaza, causing significant damage by uprooting trees and blowing away a tent. She immediately reached out to her mother to confirm her safety. She noted the difficulty of being in Dubai during such crises, explaining that the inability to be physically present makes the waiting process particularly stressful.
Local authorities, including the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Department of Public Works and Highways, were mobilized to respond to the aftermath. The Iloilo City Environment and Natural Resources Office led clearing operations to remove debris and fallen branches from the area.
The anxiety is shared by other expatriates across the Emirates. Sharjah resident and data scientist Mary Grace, who has family in Nueva Vizcaya, said she was triggered by reports of a soil collapse in Kayapa. She recounted, “I kept checking my phone and messaging them to make sure everyone was okay. Thankfully, they’re safe, and I’m so relieved.”
Diego S., a water delivery worker in Dubai, also turned to his family in Cagayan province after seeing news of the severe weather. While he noted that his relatives were dealing with some waterlogging, he expressed relief that they remained far from the worst-affected zones. “There is some waterlogging, but my family is far from the areas that have been badly affected and they’re all safe,” he said.
The current crisis is driven by the southwest monsoon, locally referred to as “habagat,” which has intensified due to its interaction with a series of successive storms. These conditions have heavily impacted communities throughout Luzon and the western Philippines.
In Quezon City, torrential downpours resulted in waist-deep flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and near creeks. Authorities have evacuated more than 1,000 residents from flood-prone regions and areas near tributaries as water levels remain a significant concern.
According to the national disaster agency, approximately 110,000 families have been affected by the enhanced monsoon rains since August 3. Nationwide, at least 7,300 people are currently seeking shelter in evacuation centers. Tragically, the severe weather has claimed at least six lives due to flooding and landslides over the past week.
Thankfully, they’re safe, and I’m so relieved,” said the 31-year-old data scientist.
Being here in Dubai while your family is back home is difficult because you can’t just go to them when something happens.
You can only call, wait for them to answer and hope they’re okay,” she added.
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Elizabeth Gonzales is a Digital Journalist who loves writing about the expat life — and ways to make the most of it.
When she’s not looking for new hacks to share with readers, you may find her giving them a real laugh at one of her stand-up comic events.
Source: Khaleej Times
