THE RECENT destructive Ifugao flooding was an early wakeup call to the new administration of President Marcos Jr.
While natural calamities may be worsening as typhoons get stronger due to climate change, there are a lot which man can do to reduce the disasters resulting from the calamities.
We have to underscore the need for good governance and an efficient disaster response and management system to minimize the impact of natural calamities.
The frequent flooding, even in urban centers, can be traced to poor governance and the non-implementation of the Solid Waste Management Act. We already know the problem. What we lack is the political will and a sense of urgency to arrest the impacts of climate change.
Climate change and other man-induced disasters destroy lives and halt economic progress. After the wanton destruction of our environment, nature is fighting back with unimaginable consequences. What we often fail to see is the human face of climate change. It translates to agricultural loss, food scarcity and the loss of livelihood for millions of people. It can instantly take lives.
Local governments must enforce the Solid Waste Management (SWM), implement a fast clean up drive, dredging of waterways, and massive tree planting.
Among the other measures are the relocation of communities away from danger areas, the setting up of early warning systems against typhoons and the resulting floods, and the mobilization of local government units during emergencies.
While we cannot avoid natural disasters, we can prevent them from turning into epic human tragedies if we are adequately prepared.
May the new Marcos administration learn from disasters past so it could adequately prepare and be proactive in addressing upcoming natural calamities.
