HAZARDS AND FAMILY TIES: UNDERSTANDING NATURAL CALAMITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES
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Natural hazards are extreme and severe weather condition and
climate that occur naturally in all parts of the world and they are no laughing
matter. When natural hazards like drought, tropical cyclones, air pollution,
desert locusts, flood and flash floods, land- or mudslides, avalanches,
sandstorms, thermal extremes, forest wildfire, and heavy rain or wind occurs on
habited area, it becomes a natural disaster that may destroy properties,
livelihoods, and even take lives.
The Philippines, despite being a small country, has not been immune to calamities and national disasters. On an average year, eight to nine tropical storms make landfall in the Philippines. We also have a handful of active volcanoes which has shown signs of activity in the recent years. There have been many instances in the past where certain provinces have been raised to a state of calamity due to the severity of their condition. The super typhoon Haiyan (or locally known as Yolanda) which is considered as the strongest typhoon recorded to ever make landfall is one of the greatest calamities in recent memory that has caused great damage. A year before that, Habagat or Southwest monsoon has brought high volume of rain and has caused flooding that has left almost half of Luzon submerged in water. And just recently, the west valley fault has been the center of attention because of its possible movement (according to historic data) that may result to a massive earthquake that can paralyze the whole country.
In an effort of the government to heighten the awareness of the public about disaster and calamities and how to deal with them, July was proclaimed as the National Disaster Consciousness Month. Anchoring on the idea that safety and readiness should start in the family, the campaign was launched with the theme “Pamilya at Pamayanang Handa, Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bansa.” A metro-wide earthquake drill was also conducted to prepare the citizens within the range of the West Valley Fault on what they should do in case WVF started to move. But more than to inform the public about the possible threat we might be facing, its aim is to set our minds that even though we might be able to predict for what might happen based on data and statistics, behavioral patterns, and logical thinking, there are still things that will totally come up unforeseen and catch us off guard.
The damage that these hazards can bring is inevitable, and only sufficient preparation can cushion it. Aside from reading survival guides and participating on drills set by the government, it is also advisable to avail non-life insurance, auto-insurance (for your vehicle), fire insurance, orproperty insurance here in the Philippines to cover the possible damages. Taking these non-life insurance make us ready not just for the upcoming disaster, but it sets us to something feasible come the aftermath of the disaster – something that we can hold on to.
The Philippines, despite being a small country, has not been immune to calamities and national disasters. On an average year, eight to nine tropical storms make landfall in the Philippines. We also have a handful of active volcanoes which has shown signs of activity in the recent years. There have been many instances in the past where certain provinces have been raised to a state of calamity due to the severity of their condition. The super typhoon Haiyan (or locally known as Yolanda) which is considered as the strongest typhoon recorded to ever make landfall is one of the greatest calamities in recent memory that has caused great damage. A year before that, Habagat or Southwest monsoon has brought high volume of rain and has caused flooding that has left almost half of Luzon submerged in water. And just recently, the west valley fault has been the center of attention because of its possible movement (according to historic data) that may result to a massive earthquake that can paralyze the whole country.
In an effort of the government to heighten the awareness of the public about disaster and calamities and how to deal with them, July was proclaimed as the National Disaster Consciousness Month. Anchoring on the idea that safety and readiness should start in the family, the campaign was launched with the theme “Pamilya at Pamayanang Handa, Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bansa.” A metro-wide earthquake drill was also conducted to prepare the citizens within the range of the West Valley Fault on what they should do in case WVF started to move. But more than to inform the public about the possible threat we might be facing, its aim is to set our minds that even though we might be able to predict for what might happen based on data and statistics, behavioral patterns, and logical thinking, there are still things that will totally come up unforeseen and catch us off guard.
The damage that these hazards can bring is inevitable, and only sufficient preparation can cushion it. Aside from reading survival guides and participating on drills set by the government, it is also advisable to avail non-life insurance, auto-insurance (for your vehicle), fire insurance, orproperty insurance here in the Philippines to cover the possible damages. Taking these non-life insurance make us ready not just for the upcoming disaster, but it sets us to something feasible come the aftermath of the disaster – something that we can hold on to.
Readiness and constant vigilance
are the keys in getting through difficult situation such as a natural disaster.
And like the National Disaster Consciousness Month’s theme imbibe, sticking with
our family in this kind of times will bring out the best in us.
More to read: Fire Insurance Importance
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