LATELY, in the news, we have read or hear how there was a wave of earthquakes rocking the different parts of the country.
Officials from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) have even warned of the "the big one", which can happen unexpectedly.
Here in Davao Region, Phivolcs have warned that the Mati City Fault System and the Central Davao Fault System can trigger devastating earthquakes. This will surely bring havoc to Davao Region.
Phivolcs has been actively reminding people to remain calm should there be an earthquake. Likewise, they remind Filipinos to also stay on guard.
It is important for us to have a knowledge on disaster preparedness. This may mitigate effects during and after an earthquake strikes.
Among the measures one can to in preparing for an earthquake are securing heavy objects; structural modifications and storing supplies; having an insurance; an emergency kit always ready; and evacuation plans to go to safer places.
Every year, we are also hit by typhoons, the latest being Typhoon Falcon. One of the strongest was Typhoon Yolanda, which struck the Philippines in 2013. Up until this day, some of our country men continue to experience its aftermath.
We should never underestimate the force and unpredictability of mother nature. Hence, it is important for us to always be prepared in facing these natural disasters. The Department of Interior and Local Government revealed that based on their studies, in scale of 1 to 10, the Philippines can be rated as 6 in terms of calamity preparedness.
World Bank studies have also shown that the Philippines is among the most disaster prone countries in the world. The country is no stranger to flooding, storms, and earthquakes, among others.
It is also important for the government to be able to respond quickly to disasters as this also plays part in the resiliency of a country. Resiliency is the measure of a society's ability to withstand shocks and recover from these shocks in a timely manner. It is also a measure of a population's ability to adapt to changes in the environment and to the types of risks they face.
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Preparing for the rainy season
With the rainy season, here are eight fundamental tips to prevent our homes from flood damage. First, examine your area location. The infrastructures will show if the areas are at risk. Second, is to elevate your house. Have it at a few meters from the ground level. Third, is to consider getting house insurance. Fourth, is to secure your electrical and climate -sensitive home items. Fifth, is apply coatings or sealants in your home to prevent flood water from entering your house. Sixth, is to check your water valves and sewer system. Seventh, regularly clean your gutter and drainage systems. Eighth, is to practice eco-friendliness at home like prevent blocking drainage tubes with garbage.