Are local government units prepared for the arrival of typhoons during the pandemic? Rappler talks to local disaster chiefs of Libon, Albay and Pasig City on how they are preparing for typhoons in the middle of the coronavirus crisis.
In a disaster-prone country like the Philippines, which gets an average of 20 tropical cyclones annually,to achieve zero casualty. But the response to emergencies in the face of a persisting disaster – the coronavirus pandemic – makes it more complex.
Preemptive evacuation remains to be one of their best practices during typhoons. Secillano stressed that although some residents were evacuated to their designated evacuation centers, others were advised to evacuate in private houses instead, especially those with special needs. Aside from preemptive evacuations, Secillano recalled other best practices. These include making comprehensive and contextual typhoon information and warning, and preparing communities through various training and projects in partnership with private groups, among others.Noting the importance of communication during disasters, the municipal government of Libon made sure to disseminate information about typhoon warnings and signals in terms understandable to its residents.
“We just have to combine the practices that we do for different hazards for as long as lives are not threatened, sacrificed or at risk. Both disaster unit heads agreed in applying their best practices in both emergencies when typhoons strike.Wong said that although their procurement of disaster kits were halted to prioritize funds for COVID-19 responses, face masks and disinfectants should also be included in the disaster kit distribution.Wong added that it helped that they built partnerships with private sectors that prioritized the city for its supply of food, equipment and other needs.
To address this, Wong said they conducted seminars for psychosocial and infectious disease management to its responders. These would still be useful during typhoons especially for evacuees who might be experiencing trauma.Basic life support sessions were also conducted in batches as a refresher course to disaster responders but this was paused after one trainee tested reactive to COVID-19 testing last July.
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