That was me enjoying the sexy Hydro 1 waterfalls. It's been almost eight months since my last visit together with my family to this place but back then, it was a harder trek because there were boulders and big rocks to climb or cross the river and be wet. I call this a sexy waterfall because of how the water is not that strong this time of year (it's already summer here) and the way it curves as it cascades down the wall of rock. (Check my previous blog for more. ULOG #41: Sunday swim at the river (with very short clips)
These photos were taken eight months ago.
This is how the landscape looks now.
I cannot imagine the volume of water and the immensity of it as it washed the landscape and totally changed everything. I was astounded and amazed that nature can do this. It made me realize how insignificant I am, just a tiny speck when compared to nature. The water washed out almost everything such that trees were destroyed and there was almost no trace of the river.
Even this small mine that the locals used to mine for gold was covered by sand and stones.
One of the bridges that connects going to Hydro was not spared from the destruction that the river did.
The one on the left is the before pix and the one on the right is after the storm. The bridge is about 15 feet from the river. For it to be destroyed is beyond my comprehension. Houses closest to the bridge were destroyed. The river's strength eroded the rocks upon which those houses were built.
Here are short clips to show you how the landscape is now.
You might be wondering what brought about this drastic change. Six months ago, our country was hit by a strong typhoon internationally named Mangkhut and locally called Ompong. Not only did it hit Philippines but other countries as well like Guam. It was so strong that it killed a lot of people and displacing more because of the destruction of homes.
This is an example of how Ompong affected our neighborhood.
During and after the storm there were reports of flash floods and other devastating effects nature brought us. We only watched in disbelief and dread. We live in the mountains. How can this happen? We only see this happen in the lowlands. Our fear is landslide and erosion, not flooding.
After the storm, we watched in horror as more news, videos, photos were posted online of the affect of the typhoon in and around our place.
During my visit to Hydro 1 and 2, I still cannot fathom how did this happen.
There were more landslides on my way to Hydro 1. The rocks seem ready to fall anytime.
However, no matter how nature changes everything, we cannot deny the fact that it is still beautiful how it reshaped the landscape. I came here not expecting anything but I left in awe.
.
!steemitworldmap 16.357470 lat 120.596363 long Hydro 1 Waterfalls d3scr