Reflecting on disaster preparation in the US  

As I am writing this column, several states along Northeastern US from Maine to Maryland are bracing for the first major snowstorm of the year. Depending on which forecast model you are looking at, snow accumulations can reach anywhere from a few inches up to two feet while some areas will be experiencing wind gusts as strong as 45 miles per hour. Governors have already declared states of emergency activating their authority to dispense any and all available resources at their disposal in order to better prepare their communities for what seems to be a very dangerous and destructive snowstorm.

Speaking of communities, people also make their own preparations. Those living along coastal areas are reinforcing their houses, boarding up their windows and walls, and voluntarily leaving and seeking shelter somewhere. Those who choose to stay home are stocking up with the basic necessities of food, water, emergency power, batteries, gas, etc. It is always expected that there are people who try to hoard supplies but for the most part, the shortage is attributable to just the sudden surge of demand.

What I most appreciate seeing all these emergency preparations is how organized and orderly the procedures are. Starting from a very reliable weather forecasting system that keeps government leaders and the general public well-informed, to the clearing up of roads before the first snowflake drops, to activation of temporary shelters, to advance announcements of closure hours of schools, government offices, banks, churches, and other vital institutions. It is not always perfect but the near-flawless execution of these responses clearly reflects the diligent efforts made during the planning stages. How well these preparations are will be tested when the expected calamity strikes and how the post-event responses will then be implemented.

With different kinds of natural disasters hitting the US in all its geographical confines at varying degrees of damage to lives and properties, it is fair to say that the country learns from past experiences and has been doing better each time these unpreventable calamities occur again. Think of hurricane Katrina. That was the turning point when the US learned its hard lesson with unimaginable cost to affected lives and livelihood.

Which brings me to my point. While there is no comparison between the two countries as far as financial resources are concerned, but some of the observations I am sharing below do not have to do with money at all. True, we need to spend on infrastructure and system improvements but that’s not the only way better prepare us for the next calamity.

Reflecting on what happened to the areas affected by Odette, we could ask why is it that despite the expected yearly cycle of typhoons in the Philippines, our government leaders and our people are always caught unprepared and left scrambling after? Is it because we are so used to it that storms are just shrugged off as a mere nuisance? Are we putting more emphasis on disaster prevention rather than preparations? Is it the lack of a sophisticated and updated early warning system? Is it the lack of coordination between our highly-partisan leaders or that selfish and pointless petty politicking always stands out despite the seriousness of the emergency? Is it greed by unscrupulous businesses that do not care for the suffering masses as long as they rake in their loot in profiteering?

Until now, there are still areas where power has not been restored. There were those who had to pay linemen from their pockets in order for them to be reconnected. Post-disaster relief efforts have been an embarrassing spectacle as politicians are fighting and elbowing each other as to who should be seen and photographed giving away taxpayer-funded assistance.

As I suggested in my column after Odette struck, we should Build Back Better. I think not only must we do that in terms of investments in public works and infrastructure, but more importantly on how government leaders, politicians, private sector and the general public act and relate to each other. That would make facing the crisis a little more manageable and less strenuous for everyone.