TWENTY families were evacuated from Juario Village in Maa Wednesday night, when practically the whole of Davao City was stranded by heavy rainfall.
On that same night, a landslide occurred where the 20 families lives. Not one resident was hurt.
This is simply because they were evacuated before the landslide. It would have been a different story had there not been anyone looking out.
The area has been identified as flood-prone and two families have already decided to leave. Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) chief Emmanuel Jaldon is encouraging the rest to follow suit. The area is not safe. That much can be said, especially with the landslide that occurred.
But we are aware of how difficult it is for families to just move away, since finding a new home, much more building a new one is close to impossible to many. Then of course, we are up against people who have the tendency to cling to things even if these put them in danger. Even those given relocation don't easily take the option. Thus, Jaldon can encourage them to move, but may have to realize that not all will, ever.
One thing good about this news, however, is the preparedness of our disaster risk reduction team. For this, they deserve all the encouragement from all of us. We have witnessed how good they are in disaster response, not we are seeing how they are also into risk reduction as well.
Kudos to all.
Now, if we can only ensure that not just rescue and risk reduction teams are on their toes all the time. Considering that our city have long identified the landslide and flood-prone areas, then let us as one people do our part in ensuring that every heavy downpour and weird weather will not bring increase the risk to people.
As is often said, there are no natural disasters, there are but natural risks. Meaning, the disaster comes in the people's lack of appropriate response.