THIS time, while much of the country is whacked by severe typhoon Uwan, the 21st to thrash the country in 2025, many critical lessons in disaster management must already be on the tables of our leaders and the masses.
Such lessons primarily stress proactive preparedness, community-based solutions, strong infrastructure, climate change adaptation, and effective communication.
Proactive preparedness is pivotal since survival is not just about having basic supplies but about thinking ahead and preparing for the worst before it happens.
This includes equipping households with emergency kits, identifying evacuation routes, and familiarizing oneself with local geography.
Our local leaders must by now be persuaded that effective response is often centered at the local level (barangay/village, town, city) and empowering Local Government Units to assess risks, develop early warning systems, and lead their communities in times of crisis is essential for a more effective and timely response.
Yet another lesson is the acknowledgment of the need to build more durable and earthquake-resistant infrastructure, especially critical facilities like schools, hospitals, and evacuation centers.
Lessons from past events, like Typhoon Haiyan 12 years ago this month which damaged the Tacloban airport highlight the need for sturdy infrastructure and backup systems, like preparing alternate airports for aid delivery.
We must not forget that establishing clear, reliable communication networks, from community levels up to national government agencies, is essential during and after a disaster which would assure the officials and those on the ground that everyone is accounted for, urgent needs are communicated, and real-time information aids decision-making and search and rescue efforts.
We need to remind ourselves that Haiyan and the recent Kalmaegi typhoons serve as stark reminders of the increasing intensity of tropical storms linked to climate change.
Which strongly suggests long-term recovery and development plans must integrate climate action and adaptation strategies, including environmental protection, responsible urban planning, and sustainable development practices to reduce future vulnerability.
We should recognize and incorporate local and indigenous knowledge and traditional building practices that can lead to tailor-made, resilient solutions for housing and survival, as these communities have time-tested coping mechanisms.
We know international aid will be flown in from all directions – after all the world has become a global village – but such aid must be coordinated and sustainably integrated into recovery plans.
We are aware the affected communities are in the best position to decide what they need, requiring a customized response rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
During the recovery process, when the disasters are gone and better forgotten, we must urgently recognize the provision of mental health support and care – doubtlessly indispensable for the overall healing and well-being of the affected communities.
