In the heart of Quezon City, Philippines, 63-year-old Judy Bertuso leans forward inside a bright orange tent, a temporary refuge set up on the floor of a local basketball court. With great care, she spoon-feeds her husband, Apollo, 65, who is recovering from a stroke and sits in a wheelchair. His frail silhouette is visible against the translucent plastic walls of their makeshift shelter. Judy, dressed in a wrinkled T-shirt and shorts, holds a bowl beneath the spoon, demonstrating a lifetime of love and dedication as she tends to him.
The couple's decision to leave their creekside home a day prior was driven by fear of imminent flooding as Super Typhoon Fung-wong approached. This storm, the most powerful to threaten the Philippines this year, had already wreaked havoc, causing extensive damage during previous heavy rains in October. With radio and television warnings urging residents to evacuate to higher ground, the Bertusos wasted no time in seeking safety.
Super Typhoon Fung-wong made landfall with winds reaching up to 185 kilometers per hour (115 mph) and gusts soaring to 230 kph (143 mph). This ferocious storm battered the northeastern region of the Philippines on a recent Sunday, forcing over a million people, like the Bertusos, to evacuate their homes. The impact of such natural disasters is profound, especially for vulnerable families who must leave everything behind to ensure their safety.
Inside the basketball court, rows of bright tents house dozens of families displaced by the storm. The howling winds outside create a stark contrast to the hum of quiet conversations that drift from tent to tent. Children’s laughter and chatter punctuate the atmosphere, adding a touch of normalcy amid the chaos. Yet, for many, including Judy and Apollo, the uncertainty of their situation looms large.
As Judy steadies the spoon to feed Apollo, her hand trembles slightly, a reflection of both her emotional and physical strain. In this tiny world of their tent, surrounded by the raging storm outside, a profound message resonates: while nature may unleash its fury beyond these walls, the enduring power of love and care prevails within. The Bertusos' story exemplifies the resilience of families facing adversity, reminding us that even in the darkest times, compassion and dedication shine through.
