A strong typhoon named Glenda hit Corregidor while we were
in the United States. From what our
friends here tell us, the winds were from the north, then calm, then strong from
the south. This would indicate a direct
hit, with the eye passing directly over the island. Metro Manila, northwest of here, sustained
high winds and some areas suffered loss of electrical power for weeks. Here on Corregidor it was cleaning up fallen
trees and branches. We are told that regular
Sun Cruises tourist traffic resumed in a week.
We have included several pictures of the typhoon and its aftermath,
taken by our helper, Gilbert Secosana, who is also a professional photographer.
One of the large bancas being thrown about by the heavy winds; fortunately it survived
Glenda's waves rolling into the north sea wall
A particularly impressive photo, just moments after the previous shot
Damage to the building on the end of the Engineering Dock
Damage to the north side sea wall (center); Baywalk store in background
Tree branches strewn about on Bottomside
Damage at Mac's Cafe
More damage at Mac's Cafe
One of many uprooted trees, this one on the South Beach; "kiosk" in background
Damage to the roof of one of the picnic area shelters; zip-line tower in background
Although there was no damage to our house, bodega, or jeep, there were many branches down
"Chainsaw George" (note cloud of exhaust) and others cleaning up near Battery Grubbs
Beneath these fallen branches is the road in front of Milelong Barracks at Topside
Signs damaged at the west entrance to Malinta Tunnel
A tree down and blocking the road on Tailside
Although it is still “rainy season,” we were able to take a
walk along the north access road to assess the damage to one of the trails
which we so enjoy. We saw about what we
expected: lots of fallen branches and vines, and some downed trees. We were able to make our way past them along
the road, but are concerned that trees could obstruct the many other walking
trails. We anticipate some the trails
will require clearing on a larger scale, something that is always the case
after rainy season. We are hoping to
work with Sun Cruises to establish walking trails that they can offer their
visitors as an alternative to the standard tour, and especially for those people
who stay overnight. Once we are no
longer living here, we hope and trust that such trail maintenance will
continue.
One of the obstructions on the north access road
Steve and Marcia "still" on the Rock
