THE PREEMPTIVE evacuation order for 10 coastal barangays in Iloilo City on Monday due to strong winds and big waves due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by Severe Tropical Storm “Carina” brings into sharp focus the necessity of robust evacuation protocols. With 61 houses reported damaged and several hundreds of families affected, the readiness of evacuation centers and the efficiency of evacuation protocols were put to the test. While the city’s response undoubtedly mitigated the storm’s potential damage, this should prompt a comprehensive review and enhancement of disaster preparedness strategies.
The effectiveness of Iloilo City’s evacuation protocols can be lauded for the swift action in moving families to safety. However, the scale of disruption and the challenges encountered during such evacuations bare several areas where improvements are essential. The operation saw families from 10 coastal barangays, including Barangay Boulevard and San Juan, relocated to safer grounds like Baluarte Elementary School, which had been designated as an evacuation center. The coordination displayed by the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office, alongside local police and community leagues, was admirable. Yet, these evacuations raise pertinent questions about long-term solutions and the sustainability of current practices.
Firstly, the capacity and condition of evacuation centers warrant urgent attention. While schools like Baluarte Elementary serve as temporary refuges, their suitability during prolonged or repeated use needs assessment. Are these centers equipped with adequate sanitation, sleeping arrangements, and facilities to handle special needs, including the elderly and infants? Ensuring these facilities are up to standard is a matter of health and safety.
Secondly, the logistical aspects of evacuation need streamlining. This includes clearer communication channels for timely information dissemination and more organized transportation services to ensure all residents, especially the most vulnerable, can evacuate promptly and safely. The city could explore the use of technology, such as mobile apps or dedicated alert systems, to facilitate faster and more effective communication.
Furthermore, the aftermath of evacuations often reveals the need for better coordination between various government agencies. The City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) in conjunction with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) must ensure that food and non-food provisions are available and distributed efficiently and equitably among evacuees. Pre-planning these distributions and regular drills could enhance the responsiveness of these agencies.
And yes, strengthening community involvement in the planning and execution of evacuation plans cannot be overemphasized. Residents must be more than passive participants in their own safety; they must be active contributors to the planning processes. This includes regular community-based drills, feedback sessions on evacuation experiences, and educational programs to raise awareness about disaster preparedness.
By enhancing the structural, logistical, and community aspects of evacuation protocols, we can ensure that when the next storm hits, Iloilo City is not just reacting but is truly prepared.
