SEVERE tropical storm “Hanna” is threatening to dump more rains to Western Visayas via an enhanced southwest monsoon. All local government units (LGUs) must ensure that timely information about the storm is relayed to the people.
LGUs, including barangay officials, should have already conducted an information dissemination campaign on the strength of the storm and its effects, including an expected storm surge, possible landslides, flooding, and the community evacuation plan. Those in high-risk areas should have already been evacuated to safe places.
Government agencies must also be reminded to carry out their respective duties in preparing for the storm. Yes, we should all be on heightened alert now. We remind LGUs to ensure that no families are living in high-risk areas, release frequently updated advisories and ensure that areas expected to be affected are prepared — activate all forms of early warning systems, set up evacuation centers, evacuate families living in landslide-prone and flood-prone areas.
LGUs should 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.
Moreover, local disaster risk reduction and management officers should be alert. Quick communication and real-time updates are vital in ensuring effective disaster response with first responders and search and rescue teams ready for dispatch anytime.
Let us find a way to prevent damages to critical infrastructure such as transmission lines because electricity and communication lines are more important in the aftermath of disasters.
Most of all, communities must heed disaster warnings to avoid accidents. When warned of an impending hazard, we should take safety measures. Stay indoors and do not attempt to go out especially at the height of the storm.
National and local action must promote disaster prevention with “zero casualty” as a mindset and approach. On the other hand, citizens must do their part by paying attention to and following government warnings and community advisories.
