Guam residents who lost homes in typhoon face future
Shelter seekers sleep in their assigned spaces at the Astumbo Elementary School during the early morning hours of Friday in Dededo, Guam. (Rick Cruz/The Pacific Daily via AP)
A tree lies on the ground after it was uprooted by Typhoon Dolphin at the Plaza de Espana in Hagatna, the capital of Guam, Saturday, May 16, 2015. Guam residents are cleaning up after the powerful Pacific typhoon hammered the U.S. territory with high winds, rain and large waves. (AP Photo/Grace Garces Bordallo)
HAGATNA, Guam » The future is uncertain for Guam residents who lost their homes during a powerful Pacific typhoon.
The Pacific Daily News reported that many residents flocked to shelters during the storm Saturday and later found out their homes were severely damaged.
Nineteen-year-old Atson Nameta played cards and entertained seven of his younger siblings in the Machananao Elementary School cafeteria. The future living situation for his family was uncertain.
"My dad just came from the house, and there was a lot of damage that happened," Nameta said. "I’m not sure if we have a place to stay anymore, because the rooftop flew off."
According to Nameta, the home housed 13 people, including himself, his parents and his four brothers and five sisters.
Adela Tyquiengco was looking for a place to house her family, which includes her husband and five children.
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"We have nothing," she said. "My son’s bedroom is gone, my kitchen is gone, my restroom is completely gone."
Despite the problems, shelter organizers say they’ve witnessed generous acts of kindness. Joaquin Reyes, 56, lost the floor in his home, but gave up his space in line so families with children could receive help first.
"It was amazing to witness people that would yield their own place in line to others," said shelter manager Angel Legaspi. "Especially in a time of their own personal needs. … Those are the kinds of human acts and stories that I’ve witnessed — the generosity of people are coming out."
