So far, 240 reported dead and hundreds of thousands of evacuees have been documented in the aftermath of Ketsana (Ondoy), a tropical storm that barely registered as a Typhoon. The Philippine government, by some accounts, have been slow to react, undermanned and under-equipped. Contrast that to individual Filipinos, like a 49-year-old judge who miraculously saved a 100 people with the help of his jet ski. Or 18-year-old Muelmar Magallanes (more of the hero here, and also here), who was a good swimmer and saved 30 people including an infant before being swept away by strong currents.

Google page of tropical storm Ondoy relief

In the deluge, technology became one of the few shining beacons for the people of Manila and environs and the guiding light for heroic Manilans. From mobile Facebook and Twitter, Filipinos were able to locate srranded individuals in urgent need of aid.

(popular movie actress and FHM covergirl Cristine Reyes waits for help on the roof of her home)

One real life drama amid the catastrophe was played by superstars in local cinema. The hero braved darkness and flood to save a beautiful damsel in distress[times].

(A local celebrity uses surfboard to help out. via)

The unsung multitude waited for help, texted their locations to relatives who in turn Twitted or Facebooked their locations to rescuers and most everyone else who will listen. Some savvy individuals collated information and made a Google map. Relief is largely coordinated through Twitter and blog posts.

Meanwhile, the disaster was evident on Youtube and news Philippine news channels (gmanews, abs-cbn.news). If you need to see more images, I suggest you do a Google Image Search for “Ondoy.”

The Philippine government is overwhelmed and individual Filipinos, though tough and generous, could only do so much. Speed is of the essence. You can help:

1. PayPal link from TXT Power
2. List of ways to donate from outside Philippines
3. .org (aggregates news and updates)
4. Spreadsheet for verified Online donations
5. relief.org (for Philippine donations)
6. Philippine Aid accepts PayPal (temporarily closed: reason here)

[also read: sfgate, nyt]