AS THE COUNTRY girds for the entry of typhoon “Tisoy” (international name: “Kammuri”) let us remind ourselves that while disaster prevention should be the greater focus of our efforts, response preparedness is likewise important to prevent further casualties.
Contingency plans are crucial in times of disasters. Communities must draw and test regularly their response plan way ahead of any disaster event and improve constantly on early warning systems and emergency management capacities.
Local government units (LGUs) must have the political will to implement forced evacuation when called for. Shelters for evacuees should be well designed, built strong, and prepared ahead of time with emergency supplies of food, water, medicine, shelter, and toiletries, while government agencies are ready to augment the basic needs of evacuees.
Local disaster and risk reduction management officers should be alert. Quick communication, particularly real-time updates, is also vital in ensuring effective disaster response with first responders and search and rescue teams ready for dispatch anytime.
A good example is the Purok System in the Municipality of San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu which won the 2011 United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction. The Purok System allows the immediate self-organization within villages and focuses on addressing the vulnerability of every barangay in the municipality by mobilizing local resources in creating local and practical solutions based on the unique needs of every community.
This is achievable with smooth coordination among agencies of government, all sectors of society, and the citizens. The key is to work together as one community.
