EDITORIAL - More destructive La Niña

With the country still feeling the lingering effects of the El Niño weather pattern, the Department of Agriculture is now bracing for what it describes as a “more destructive” La Niña. While El Niño intensifies the prevailing weather and typically induces severe drought during the dry season, La Niña causes heavier rainfall and stronger tropical cyclones in the Philippines.

This is bad news for a country that often serves as a welcome mat for tropical cyclones from the Pacific Ocean. The country is hit by an average of 20 cyclones every year, with some having the highest category in terms of intensity, such as Super Typhoon Yolanda, which flattened much of Eastern Visayas in November 2013.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has warned of a possible strong La Niña this year, with a brief transition period from El Niño. Scientists have mapped out the areas at high risk of landslides, destructive floods and earthquakes around the country. While the weather remains dry and sunny, local government units must review those maps, which can be accessed online, or coordinate with the scientists to ensure that high-risk areas are sufficiently prepared for natural calamities. LGUs can enhance coordination with relevant agencies on protocols for the release of dam water. An inspection of the condition of watersheds can also quickly pinpoint the communities at high risk of deadly mudslides and floods.

Preparing high-risk communities for disaster is not as simple as it sounds. Many people are aware of the risks of storm surges in coastal areas, of deadly flooding along riverbanks, and of mudslides near denuded watersheds or in mining areas. Yet their livelihoods often depend on the seas, rivers, forests and mountains, and they refuse to relocate to safer areas. Even during typhoons and possible flooding, many seek temporary shelter in evacuation centers only at the last minute.

Reducing crop damage during La Niña can also be challenging. Much of agriculture in this country is marginal and highly vulnerable to the whimsies of nature. The inadequacy of mechanized harvest, post-harvest and cold storage facilities makes preparation for a stormy season difficult for many farmers.

Despite all the challenges, national agencies and LGUs cannot afford to be lax in their preparations for disaster response and mitigation. Sufficient warnings have been aired about the possibility of a more destructive La Niña; there is no excuse for being unprepared.