By Mikaela Calixto
A problem cannot be solved without addressing its root cause.
Then, what’s the main problem why Typhoon Paeng left every place in the Philippines mostly in Laguna, Cavite, other places in Metro Manila and Mindanao in shambles?
Filipinos walking through the flooded streets, their houses in a total mess, furniture submerged in thick mud. Some have safely gone home to their families complete, while others mourn after the storm.
Death toll increased as days passed by climbing to 150 and almost four million people were affected by the Typhoon Paeng according to a report from National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). It was also confirmed that 94 residents died while 56 are for validation.
What went wrong?
Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last 2013 wreaked havoc the country with a damage of ₱95.5 billion and 6,300 death tolls; Typhoon Odette (Rai) with 409 death toll and a ₱51.8 billiion worth of damage; and Typhoon Ulysess (Vamco) with 102 death toll and ₱20.2 billion damage. These are some of the typhoons that made the whole country suffer not just by the year they enter but it seems like until now, Filipinos are still suffering the same thing over again.
In the recent typhoon disaster, it has come to the attention of the netizens how many people are crying for help, stranded and troubled in the rain. The hashtags #PaengPH and #RescuePH trended the whole day as citizens extended their hands to help people through social media. Seeing how a number of tweets and posts from other social media sites seeking help to be rescued is something that can be in the list of the problems.
It has come to the attention of many Filipinos how they go through this cycle of typhoons over and over again. Again, what went wrong? Enumerating the list, here is the evident problems; not giving enough attention to the climate crisis even though experts warned how it could get severe, illegal mining activities and deforestation are still a problem that need action; creeks, river, lakes and water drainage clogged, disaster preparedness in typhoons should also be prioritize how Filipinos conduct earthquake drills yearly, rescue boats, life vests, whistle, emergency hotlines that might be better if it isn't in telephone, and some other necessities that will be needed like foods, water, whistle, flashlight should be checked by every local government unit or the LGU.
Paeng is not the problem, nor Ulysess, Yolanda, and Odette. There is a bigger problem that Filipinos need to face in this kind of situation. If the government will not take an immediate action and will still choose to turn a blind eye from these previous tragedies that left scars in people’s hearts, it will get worse and sooner or later— everyone will constantly suffer.
But, even if there are plans in addressing these problems, if the implementation is not effective, then it is not a solution at all.
Tags: Typhoon Paeng, Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), Typhoon Odette (Rai), Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco), Philippines, Filipinos
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