EDITORIAL - Disaster resilience

A year after Super Typhoon Yolanda struck, has the nation become more disaster resilient? It’s an ideal objective but obviously difficult to achieve for a developing country located in a region that is prone to volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis and tropical cyclones.

The country’s eastern seaboard serves as a welcome mat for the numerous typhoons that develop over the Pacific Ocean. In recent years, however, even cities far from the eastern seaboard and facing secluded bays, including Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and several cities in Metro Manila have been pummeled by storm surges.

Disaster resilience can be complicated and expensive. Urban planners have started incorporating the concept in new developments. The country, however, still has millions of people living in flimsy shelters by the sea, depending on the water for their livelihood, or along mountain slopes that are prone to mudslides. In Metro Manila, certain areas that are slowly sinking into the sea are flooded even during high tide.

Several studies have been conducted, identifying areas all over the Philippines that are at high risk for destructive earthquakes, storm surges, freak floods and tsunamis. Experts have pointed out that even Metro Manila is not equipped to respond effectively to a major earthquake that cuts off power and water supplies, disrupts supply chains and paralyzes transportation and communications. 

Building disaster-resilient communities will take time and enormous resources. While the process moves slowly, the nation can upgrade resources for rescue and relief. National agencies and local government units can improve warning systems and protocols for timely evacuation, with decent facilities provided for housing evacuees.

A story now making the rounds is that an alleged failure to order a timely evacuation of residents of Tacloban contributed to the grievous death toll from Yolanda. If there is basis for the report, the possibility of criminal negligence must be investigated. The country cannot afford such mistakes. Efficient coordination should be an integral part of disaster resilience.