WHEN A TYPHOON COMES, What should We Do?

 by: By Judylon O. Andalicio

The Philippines' first tropical cyclone for this year 2022 brought a tremendous strike to the province of Capiz. Tropical Depression (TD) Agaton (internationally known as Megi) reportedly claimed the lives of 19 individuals— with one still missing, as of writing; forced more than 250,000 residents to evacuate, incurred almost PHP176 million damages to agriculture, PHP500 million to fishery sector, and PHP59 million to infrastructures said PDRRM officer Judy Grace Pelaez. TD Agaton ravaged the province's 16 towns including its capital Roxas city with widespread, massive and perennial floodings—considered the worst experienced in the province in recent memory. But this is never strange, as our country is averagely visited by more or less 20 typhoons per year. Awareness begets safety. Thus, here are what we should consider in times of such wrath of nature:

BEFORE TYPHOON. According to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), before any storm, the public is advised to store an adequate supply of food and clean water. Prepare foods that need not be cooked. Keep flashlights, candles, and battery-powered radios within easy reach. Examine your house and repair its unstable parts. Always keep yourself updated with the latest weather report. Harvest crops that can be yielded already. Secure domesticated animals in a safe place. For fisher folk, place boats in a safe area. Should you need to evacuate, bring clothes, first aid kit, candles/flashlight, battery-powered radio, food, etc.

DURING TYPHOON. PRC reiterates that amid the storm everyone is advised to stay inside the house. Always keep yourself updated with the latest weather report. If safe drinking water is not available, boil water for at least 20 minutes. Place it in a container with a cover. Keep an eye on lighted candles or gas lamps. Do not wade through floodwaters to avoid being electrocuted, drowned, and contracting diseases. If there is a need to move to an evacuation center, follow these reminders: Evacuate calmly. Close the windows and turn off the main power switch. Put important appliances and belongings on high ground. Avoid the way leading to the river.

AFTER TYPHOON. Before returning home, wait for authorities to announce that it is safe to go back to your area. Keep away from dangers including structures with damages, fallen trees, and damaged power lines. Give way to rescue and emergency teams. Be extra careful when making repairs at home. Before switching the electricity on, make sure there are no wet or submerged outlets or appliances. Beware of dangerous animals such as snakes that may have entered your house. Check for possible breeding places for mosquitoes and remove rainwater.

Narrating these safety tips may sound cliché, yet it is worth nothing than saving the lives of your family. Safety doesn't happen by an accident—it is learned. Realizing the forestation tips may help minimize the untoward impacts of any future storms not only here in Capiz but also in all typhoon-prone areas in the Philippines.

Cartoon courtesy from: Joshua B. Baquilar