EDITORIAL - This time, be prepared

A disaster alert was extended yesterday to Western Mindanao as the weather refused to improve at the start of the year. Residents were earlier warned of possible heavy rains, flooding and landslides in several areas of Eastern and Southern Mindanao even as thousands of families continued to suffer from the consequences of massive flooding spawned by tropical storm “Sendong” shortly before Christmas.

Yesterday classes resumed as scheduled in the flood-stricken areas, including the worst hit cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Some quarters have pointed out that authorities in the flood-hit areas ignored detailed warnings given as early as three years ago about the possibility of such catastrophic flooding as a result of the destruction of watersheds. This time, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is warning that a low-pressure area could develop into another tropical storm that could trigger floods and landslides in Mindanao. Disaster-prone areas have been identified in geohazard maps.

Local government units in the affected areas should coordinate with the disaster management council and the weather bureau to assess the risks and make the necessary preparations. Temporary dikes can be built. Effective warning systems must be in place and evacuation centers readied. In Cagayan de Oro, the opening of classes meant the displacement of evacuees from schools that were used as evacuation centers.

Evacuees lack sleeping mats and clean clothing. They suffer from an acute lack of clean water and sanitation facilities. Stories from the flood-stricken areas about the situation in evacuation centers could discourage residents in other parts of Mindanao from leaving their homes for safer places in case disaster strikes.

Many cities and provinces in Mindanao are not used to severe weather disturbances, but the disaster spawned by Sendong should serve as a lesson that climate is changing around the planet. Rivers and other potential sources of flooding in Mindanao have been identified. It shouldn’t be too hard to keep them under close watch during incessant rains for the possibility of flooding and landslides. There should be no excuse for being unprepared.