Toral: Disaster

YESTERDAY morning, I spent two or three hours contacting people, asking how were they doing and reminding them to be safe, as Luzon had one of the strongest downpours for the past few days.

Janette Toral

Digital Filipino

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Although social media sites were helpful in sharing photos and updates, nothing can replace contacting a person directly to ask how they are doing.

Some asked me for directions on how to get to La Salle Taft from Alabang as one parent attempted to pick up her son. There was also one requesting for emergency numbers.

Although I would noremally advise that person to try Google Maps for direction, it would not have shown the present state of the location unless there were individuals actively taking pictures and uploading them online.

Handling disasters like this is something that each household head should take responsibility for. As typhoon forecasts are given days ahead, households canmake plans, which includes buying food and supplies early. If your place is likely to get flooded, planning can include moving to another location like an evacuation center, a rented place, or a friend’s house.

When I see reports of residents refusing evacuation and later asking for help, it confuses me why it always ends that way.

Educational institutions should start creating awareness about disaster preparedness and how to avoid situations like this. If their parents are not willing to be evacuated, the children can take action in saving themselves early on.

Media and showbiz personalities can also be part of the process by encouraging viewers to take the correct action. Text messaging and social media should be used proactively so we can share our practices with friends to help them in different situations.