Not the time to be complacent
TYPHOON“Bising” is not expected to make a landfall even if it has already entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility, according to the state weather bureau. But this weather advisory should not make us complacent. If there’s one thing we are sure about the weather, it is its unpredictability. And according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) itself, strong winds and heavy rains associated with tropical cyclones could affect portions of the Visasyas. Government agencies and local government units (LGUs) must therefore remain prepared and aim for zero casualty. Pagasa and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council are constantly providing weather bulletins. This has to be matched with preparedness on the ground by concerned government agencies. LGUs of areas that may be affected should have already assessed the vulnerability of their communities based on geohazard maps. In fact, geohazard maps should be placed in public plazas for the information of all. Everyone must know if they are residing in a vulnerable area. Citizens must be aware of the risks present in their geographical location.
LGUs must take the necessary intervention to protect their constituents from risks and hazards. In preparing for these, they should have already identified evacuation centers while the Department of Social Welfare and Development should be ready with food packs, blankets, mats, latrines and other basic needs, especially for the elderly, women and children.
Meanwhile, our barangays can prepare for the onslaught of typhoons without having to spend big. We have to prune tree branches, dredge and canals, avoid the use of plastic bags so that these would not get stuck in
esteros waterways, segregate garbage and implement solid waste management.
Also, LGUs and barangays can institute an effective but inexpensive early warning system. This need not be high-tech or complicated since simple ones, such as a whistle, could prove more effective. Barangays can use whistles and come up with a code or system so that people would know what to do depending on the length and frequency of each whistle blow.
Furthermore, when hazards such as typhoons are expected, barangay officials and volunteers can do mobile patrolling to immediately alert people either to stay indoors or get ready to move to safer places.
We must bring disaster preparedness to a heightened level. Our aim is resilience and zero casualty.