Disaster-prone global village

Disasters seem to be happening increasingly all over the globe. The disasters that recently struck Myanmar and China should serve as a harsh reminder of the situation that mankind is now faced with. We are now reaping the consequences of the many years of pollution and destruction we have wrought on our planet without utter regard for its possible consequences. In Myanmar, the devastation brought about by tropical cyclone Nargis last May 2, has left more than 133,000 people dead or missing and millions of others left homeless. About 95 percent of the houses and other buildings in areas that were struck by the cyclone were destroyed. This is the worst disaster ever to have hit this country. The powerful 7.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Western China now has a death toll of more than 40,000. More than 200,000 people were also injured. The temblor also destroyed 80 percent of the structures in the towns and cities near its epicenter.

Tragedies like these threaten to become much worse if we do not do something to lessen, if not totally prevent, its adverse impacts. We have to constantly remember that we are living in a disaster-prone area, much like Myanmar and China. It is quite comforting to know that our government is already taking steps to ensure our country’s preparedness if and when disaster strikes. Key government agencies like the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine Institute of Volcanology (Phivolcs), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) are pooling together their expertise and resources to bring to realization what is now known as “Project Ready”.

This project aims to avert tragedy from happening through scientific mapping and professional assessment of disaster-prone areas and the timely dissemination of vital information to affected local communities. However, this is only part of the solution to a very immense problem. I believe that we not only have to do something to lessen the impact of such disasters. We also need to do something to try and stop these tragedies from happening. Scientific experts have long been alerting us about the adverse effects mankind’s activities have on the environment. Many of these disasters seem to be effects of extreme weather changes, the direct result of global warming. If we can only stop these activities that cause global warming, then we have a chance to prevent disasters from happening.

Each of us can contribute to this enormous task in our own little way. “Project Ready” addresses the issue on our country’s disaster-preparedness. But with a little more concern, cooperation, teamwork and trust, we can ensure our continued existence as well.