Before the next flood

We know the rains will come. Every year the Philippines is hit by numerous typhoons. And every year we face floods which take a heavy human and economic toll.

Per the Asian Development Bank, typhoons and flooding cost our economy more than $200 million annually. 75 percent of deaths from natural disasters each year are due to them.

We are familiar with the story. Knee-deep water; houses flooded, people evacuated. Destruction and, in the worst cases, Death.

Climate change is making typhoons stronger. Even more we need to build up our resilience.

In the Philippines, we are good and quick to react when the crisis hits – i.e., after the event. We rescue those in need, we wade and swim in the streets, we give relief goods. Then, we go back to business-as-usual until the next flood. Is this the best way?

Can’t we aim for a flood-free Philippines instead, especially in Metro Manila? I think and hope so. Our people deserve to be better protected from the forces of nature.

The thing is we have the data and experience. We can identify the most vulnerable areas. We can predict the needs of those who will be affected, and when and where the next typhoon will hit.

Fighting the floods should be apolitical and not taken personally. It requires a shift of mindset of both our authorities and the people: to prioritize early warning and preparation over last minute improvisation. Long-term investments over temporary band-aid solutions. Flooding is also caused by pollution and ineffective waste management.

Thankfully, the government is working with the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank on a much-needed Metro Manila Flood Management Project. It’s a multi-year project with completion date in 2028.

But in the meantime, perhaps we can take steps ahead of the next flood. Two crucial aspects: providing clear warning and taking necessary precautions.

Weather forecasts and warnings should be issued one to two weeks ahead of landfall of storms, not the night before or on the day itself. People should be strongly encouraged to stay home in advance of severe typhoons to be able to prepare and avoid getting into accidents.

The role of the media, including social media, as an early warning mechanism and information vehicle is extremely important. An app for the public could be developed or Facebook tapped.

In most flood-prone areas, waste management and pollution of waterways and sewage systems should be improved. Residents and informal settlers in severely affected areas should be allowed access to temporary shelters if they do not have places to move to. This could be done before storms to reduce the stress and danger of rescuing so many during and after flooding.

Building a disaster-resilient culture will require creativity and trying out different solutions to recurring problems, not just sitting back and praying things will pass.

As the adage says, “It’s always better to be safe than sorry.” So, let’s stop being sorry and get to work before the next flood. It won’t be the last. – Hendrik Garcia [email protected]