An iPhone Thrives After Flash Flood and Mud; Intel MacBook Proves to be the Real Hero

On October 31, Typhoon Kalmaegi unleashed its fury upon the Philippines, impacting numerous areas, including the bustling city of Cebu. Over the course of its rampage, which lasted until November 7, the typhoon not only claimed lives but also inflicted catastrophic damage, with losses amounting to millions. In the aftermath of this natural disaster, one iPhone owner’s story highlights an unexpected twist of fate when his smartphone survived three days submerged in mud.

An Unexpected Lifeline: An Intel-Powered MacBook

A Reddit user, known as ‘bricksandcanvas’, shared his harrowing experience on the r/iphone subreddit, where he detailed how he nearly lost his life due to the destructive typhoon. The floodwaters inundated his once-secure home, sweeping away valuable items, including what is likely an iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max. Miraculously, after the waters receded, he discovered his smartphone buried in mud.

The iPhone’s durable IP68 water resistance rating played a crucial role in protecting it from damage. Astonishingly, the device emerged from its ordeal unscathed; there were no scratches or visible signs of trauma. However, the owner did note that being submerged in mud could have impacted the battery life, although specific details were not provided.

In a twist of fate, the owner’s M4 MacBook Pro was not as fortunate as his smartphone. As Apple’s laptops lack water resistance, it succumbed to the flood. Fortunately, among the debris, he found an old Intel-powered MacBook, which had been collecting dust. This unexpected discovery turned out to be a vital tool for communication, allowing him to access the internet and seek assistance.

“Oooh yeah. So I only had my macbook with me, and I walked barefoot around 3kms from my subdivision to the nearest hospital to get my foot dressed and stitched because I had a gaping wound that was bleeding. Since I had no cash, I literally had to beg and promise the physician that I will come back the next day to pay for the procedure lol. After the hospital, went to a local Dunkin shop and begged another person for data so that I can get onto wifi and message my mom to book me a hotel room where I can regroup.”

This incident underscores the protective features that manufacturers like Apple design into their devices to withstand challenging conditions. Yet, in this case, the true unsung hero was the Intel-powered MacBook, proving invaluable in a time of crisis.

For more on this gripping story, you can visit the Reddit post.

Additional insights and images can be found at Wccftech.