The last storm to hit the country this year battered the northern part of Cebu Wednesday dawn, toppling power lines and trees, and causing landslides and flooding in some areas. Typhoon Quinta caused a massive brownout in at least 11 towns and two cities, and left thousands without power. Good thing no casualty was reported by the provincial disaster council.
Just weeks ago, super storm Pablo barreled through several towns in the south after wreaking havoc in Mindanao where it left hundreds of people dead and destroyed billions worth of property. One of the strongest storms to hit the country, Pablo caused major damage in Oslob and neighboring towns although the casualty was minimal.
Metro Cebu was fortunate as it was spared by the two typhoons. Just as the metro residents were busy preparing for the onslaught of Pablo, the storm took a straight path towards Palawan to the West Philippine Sea.
It was really a big relief for those living in the metro. But for those in badly-affected areas, especially Compostela Valley in Mindanao, the horrible scenes of deaths and destructions will take many years to forget.
Since the trend now shows Mindanao becoming the entry point of storms, Cebu has become more exposed than ever. History had shown us that when a storm is brewing further down south, there’s a great chance it would hit Cebu.
The point is, since we already experienced such pattern, we should be ready for any eventuality. If the previous typhoons missed Metro Cebu, there will always be one taking a direct path to hit it.
While we are not praying for that unfortunate moment, it is better for us to be always aware of such possibility. With the weather becoming unpredictable because of climate change, no amount of penitence would help protect Metro Cebu from the nature’s fury.
Only heaven knows when the big one strikes. But we need to pray that there will be no other Ruping hammering Cebu to pieces. Now Pablo and Quinta should serve as warnings for Cebuanos to be always prepared against such calamity.