EDITORIAL - Exposed to natural hazards

Here’s another reason to improve preparedness for disasters: a study published this week showed that of the 10 cities around the world most exposed to natural hazards, eight are in the Philippines. Ranked fourth overall is Manila – or Metro Manila – according to the study conducted by risk analysis firm Verisk Maplecroft.

Just ahead of Manila in the risk rating are Tuguegarao in Cagayan and Lucena in Quezon. Ranked as the most vulnerable in the world is the island-nation Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila. According to the study, of the 100 cities with the greatest exposure to natural hazards, 21 are in the Philippines, 16 in China, 11 in Japan and eight in Bangladesh.

The ranking does not surprise Filipinos, who are used to regular typhoons, torrential flooding, landslides and earthquakes. In the Visayas and Mindanao, entire cities and towns have not yet fully recovered from Super Typhoon Yolanda and a powerful earthquake in 2013 and other strong typhoons in the previous year. In Metro Manila and other areas, people are becoming familiar with destructive storm surges.

Weather forecasting has improved over the years. Yolanda, which killed thousands in Eastern Visayas, also led to better preparedness for typhoons especially in coastal communities. But the death toll and damage caused by the two most recent off-season tropical cyclones showed that preparedness is inconsistent and still not enough. Complacency tends to set in quickly. Facilities for rapid emergency relief and rescue remain inadequate, with the nation still heavily reliant on foreign assistance.

Other studies have shown that Metro Manila is ill-prepared to deal with a major disaster such as a powerful earthquake, with basic utilities, transportation and communication services vulnerable to long-term disruption. The country’s ranking in the latest study should nudge disaster mitigation authorities to do more in terms of preparedness and resilience.