The typhoon alert warnings were up as early as last weekend. Media showed detailed information about the typhoon, including visuals and easy-to-understand data for as many viewers as possible.
The earlier forecasts speculated Typhoon #8 to be a super storm, perhaps like Typhoon Haiyan that badly damaged and claimed so many lives in our country. Typhoon Neoguri (Korean term for raccoon) was described as "once in decades storm."
Gratefully, so far, as of Tuesday when this article was being written, Neoguri has not turned out to be as strong as Typhoon Haiyan but still, the Japan Meteorological Agency continued to alert all, especially those in the immediate path of the typhoon, those in Okinawa and nearby islands, to be especially vigilant about the "extraordinary situation- high seas, storm surges and heavy rains never experienced before."
Okinawa has a population of about 1.2 million people. By Monday, some 55,000 people in nearby Miyako islands have been advised to evacuate to community centers and municipal buildings.
Alerts were relayed to community residents as well by mobile teams using public sound systems. Local government staff and crew inspecting and securing coastal areas, buildings, and other locations were shown on TV.
Banks and other buildings with glass windows installed protective covers to avoid glasses from being lashed out by strong winds and rains and to avoid causing damage to people especially. Car park assistants were shown tying and lining up cars together, with very little space in between, to try to block strong winds from forcefully slamming the vehicles.
Electric company staff was out ensuring the stability of electric installations and has assured the public that they have plans in place to protect the electric plants from the typhoon. Assurances were also made that emergency plans have been installed in the event of electric interruptions.
Even without typhoons and other disasters, throughout Japan, evacuation areas and centers have been designated and identified per locality, with signs and posts clear enough for all residents to see. The evacuation centers have also been equipped with basic items that could support the evacuees during their early days of evacuation. As of Monday evening, one news program showed an elderly woman at an evacuation center expressing her relief to be there rather than being alone and afraid in her home.
Typhoon preparations have also been observed in the US military base in Okinawa, including the transfer of several aircraft. The Kadena Air Base Commander has also issued a statement to all to be prepared for the "most powerful typhoon forecast to hit the island in 15 years" and to tie down outdoor items, work with and help neighbors, and echoing the JMA advice to stay inside and avoid going out.
It is very reassuring to see a people and a nation so prepared for typhoons and disasters, with each one knowing what to do and where to go, no matter where they are throughout Japan.
Despite so much detailed and careful disaster preparation and management, however, there is no complete assurance that no harm to people and property will happen. Still, prior preparation and united efforts for disaster management spell so much protection for people and property and so much worth emulating throughout our country as well.
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Email: cherryb_thefreeman@yahoo.com