This photo was taken earlier today at the departure area of Tacloban Airport, one of the structures heavily damaged by super typhoon Yolanda. I arrived at 5am and they were still setting up the makeshift counter-table with one 40w fluorescent bulb each at the “check-in” and “ticketing” counters. All the signages were handmade with a spray can. When the personnel was ready, we all lined up. There were tarpaulin tents covering the counters, I guess to make sure that when it rains the computers will be safe. There were no x-ray machines and baggage inspections were manually done, with LED flashlights used to peer into the luggage. Although were were chairs in the pre-departure area, you had to be careful since most of them are damaged. I sat in darkness and watched the break of sunset while swatting away mosquitoes.
It’s back to basics.
