THE Philippines, still wobbling from the unforgiving jab by typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi), has come under a state of national calamity, with the 21st cyclone roaring closer from the vast Pacific and may hit land by earliest tomorrow.
The 20th typhoon to hit this country, which averages that number annually, has left a sorrowful swath of death and devastation: at least 188 dead, 127 missing; and initial estimates of P6.3 million worth of infrastructure damage and P13.3 million of agricultural damage.
With this typhoon-prone archipelago under a state of national calamity, rescue and relief officials would have “quicker access” to emergency response funds and procurement process as well as aid distribution.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said: “We don’t have to go through the usual bureaucratic procedures and we can immediately provide assistance to the victims of the storms,” adding a declaration of calamity also puts in place price freezes on basic goods to prevent profiteering during crises.
Malacañang eventually announced the release of P760 million fund for several areas hit by Tino.
But while the Visayas are slowly standing up in their post-disaster recovery, potential super typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong) is slowly moving westward and may reach peak intensity Sunday afternoon, just offshore the Bicol region, according to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
The US JTWC said Uwan’s maximum sustained winds may reach 212 km/h, with 259km/h gusts, far stronger than Tino which registered maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 150 km/h.
We join officials in urging residents to prioritize safety by monitoring official updates from the state weather bureau, preparing an emergency kit, securing their homes, and being ready to evacuate if instructed by local authorities.
The people, those on typhoon’s path and the side areas, should constantly monitor news, radio, and social media for the latest weather reports and official advisories from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and local government units.
Those in a high-risk, low-lying, or coastal area prone to flooding, landslides, or storm surges must evacuate immediately when advised by local officials. Evacuation is non-negotiable in the face of a super typhoon.
Those staying indoors must remain inside a sturdy building, preferably in a small, interior room or the highest safe ground away from windows and doors.
They should, among others, prepare an Emergency Kit (“Go-Bag”) which should include at least a 3-day supply of easy-to-eat food (canned goods, biscuits, etc.) and clean water (12 liters per person), essential medicines and a well-stocked first-aid kit, as well as flashlights, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, and a power bank for charging devices.
