EDITORIAL —  Not ready for disasters

If the newly-appointed Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Dennis Francis Pastor is to be believed, the disaster response unit of the province is currently in a bad state and not disaster-ready.

“Surprisingly, it’s in a bad state. We are not disaster-ready. It has been neglected for the past six years… We need to improve our capabilities in terms of search and rescue. Atong ayohon para maka-responde," Pastor said.

Among other issues he mentioned were the lack of sea ambulances, lack of personnel, and lack of dedicated response teams.

This certainly comes as a surprise for many of us, considering that Cebu is often considered the premier province outside Manila and the richest one too. For someone to say we aren’t prepared for disasters is a splash of cold water to the face.

This is also concerning, considering how often we are hit by natural disasters, particularly typhoons.

Let’s not forget that Cebu, usually the first to respond to help neighboring provinces stricken by disasters, can sometimes become the one to need help. We saw this back in 1990 with Typhoon Ruping and again in 2021 with Typhoon Odette.

Both weather disturbances caused widespread damage to infrastructure, not to mention wreaked havoc on the power distribution system. Following both disasters it took weeks to restore power in all areas.

again, there doesn’t have to be a typhoon for something untoward to happen. Regular heavy downpours brought about by the rainy season can swell rivers and other areas and place nearby residential areas at risk, no Low-Pressure Area required.

Then there is also the occasional road accident where many are injured. Considering the vehicular traffic heading to northern and southern Cebu on a daily basis, it’s unavoidable for these to happen every once in a while. Casualties need to be taken to hospitals and fast; and not every town has the vehicle and personnel available all the time.

Let’s not take Pastor’s words for granted. The province has to be prepared for anything nature or fortune throws its way.