Once again, the Philippines finds itself facing another damaging natural disaster.  This time it is the strongest typhoon yet for this year to hit any part of the world. Typhoon Yolanda with international name Haiyan made landfall today packing winds at 315 kph at its peak. Its strength is being compared to a Category 5 Hurricane in the Atlantic.

Image Source: sienteamerica

Image Source: sienteamerica

The Complications

As if dealing with a super typhoon that placed many places in the Visayas area under Signal 4 and surrounding provinces under Signal number 3 or 2 is not enough, this typhoon comes in the wake of the recent extremely destructive earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu. These two provinces are located in the Visayas area, giving rise to grave safety concerns since many residents are still living in evacuation areas. Initial landfall was in Samar followed by another landfall in Leyte, and still another in Cebu. The occurrence of multiple landfalls is due to the fact that Visayas consists of several islands separated by bodies of water.

It is expected that all places in the path of the Typhoon Yolanda will sustain extensive damage. The only positive point being mentioned is the possibility that these places will not suffer as much due to the fast speed in which the typhoon is traveling. Thankfully, the Philippine government and all concerned agencies are not leaving this matter to chance.

The Bright Side

If there is any bright side to the coming of Typhoon Yolanda at this time, it is seeing the concerted effort of government, the private sector, and the Filipinos in general to minimize damage and avoid casualties. President Benigno Aquino III made himself very visible at the onset by making his televised appeal and statement to the Filipino people. He asked the Local Government Units to consider Typhoon Yolanda as a serious threat and enjoined them to do what needs to be done given the available information provided by DOST, PAGASA, as well as the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. There was also an appeal to the public to keep calm specifically in buying primary necessities.

National Risk Reduction and Management Council or NDRRMC, and other agencies such as the Philippine National Red Cross whose presence is very critical at times like this, are very visible. Many threatened residents voluntarily flocked to evacuation centers instead of waiting to be rescued. Children were kept safe in homes with the early announcement of class suspension. Many volunteered and organized groups that can help in rescue and relief operations. The media has by and large not resorted to sensationalism and delivered news factually and in tempered tones. Seems to me, we are finally learning our lessons from previous experiences.

My Say

The strong winds are starting to howl as I write this piece even if our place is not exactly in the eye of the storm. There are threats but I hope that the safeguards put in place will be enough.  There is fear but there is faith. God help and protect us all.

We await news from places that have been directly hit by Typhoon Yolanda.

Kapit Pilipinas – #YolandaPH

Addendum:

Typhoon Yolanda aftermath painted a very gloomy picture after leaving a trail of devastation and destruction. It is feared that dead casualties will number to thousands. Many places are still isolated with electrical power and communication lines down and the unpassable roads littered with all kinds of debris. Rescue and assistance are yet to reach some areas after almost a week since the typhoon struck.

Image Source: manilatimes.net

Image Source: manilatimes.net