“MAWAR” has reintensified into a super typhoon as it continues to move closer to the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Packing maximum winds of up to 185 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 230 kh, “Mawar” may enter PAR by Friday evening or Saturday morning and will be given the local name Betty.
“Mawar” is expected to bring heavy rains and may also enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing more downpour over the western parts of Luzon and Visayas beginning Sunday or Monday.
Thanks to science and modern technology, we know these things about “Mawar”.
So what do we do now?
The challenge to us is translating knowledge into practice to effectively manage disasters and reduce risks. The overflowing information and statistics on natural hazards, disaster risks and climate change should be communicated to and understood by government agencies and communities to be able to make science work towards building resilient communities.
It is not enough that climate scientists know the risks. Our government, local leaders and the people on the ground should understand the vulnerability of their communities and be equipped with options, resources and the tools to enable them to become drivers of action in their respective communities.
We recall our experience during Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in 2013. Authorities warned communities about storm surges that may reach up to six meters high. Many citizens stocked up on food, secured their homes and stayed indoors, not knowing that it was not the kind of preparation for a storm surge. Even those in evacuation centers were not spared from the deadly onslaught of the storm surges.
Was it a case of inadequate information or a case of information not being understood and appreciated by national and local officials, and by the people on the ground? People had no notion of storm surges, plain and simple. In the end, it cost thousands of lives.
Yes, the challenge here is to translate scientific terminologies to layman’s terms. Citizens should be able to digest the information on a geo-hazard map or a weather bulletin. Science is needed in strengthening building codes, making risk-sensitive land use plans that are linked into yearly investment plans of governments, and adopting early warning system for crop harvests, among others.
Knowing when, where and in what magnitude a natural hazard will strike is fundamental to keeping our people prepared.
