Experience is really the best teacher. Because of so many occasions in the past years where heavy rains created virtual lakes and rivers in Metro Manila, many people acted accordingly with the announcement that typhoon Ruby was approaching Metro Manila. Many did not wait for the rains to come, preferring to seek higher, drier ground. They fixed their belongings, proceeded to evacuation centers and waited for the all-clear from government. Nobody wants to spend time on rooftops, I'm sure.
Typhoon Ruby also generated, aside from strong winds almost comparable to Yolanda, a lot of tension and aggravation, which translated to preparedness. At one point, Ruby reached Category 5, or the supertyphoon class. This was when it was born out in the Pacific Ocean. As it crept towards the country, many were fearing the worst, which is a repeat of last year's Yolanda. As it hit land, it slowly lost power. But this is not to say that it did not cause destruction, even death. As many as twenty-seven have been reported killed, depending on the source of the information, by factors directly caused by the typhoon such as drowning, electrocution and being hit by debris. Several thousand homes have also been damaged by the typhoon. Millions of lives were still affected.
Still, these numbers pale in comparison to Yolanda's figures. Many have attributed the lower figure to being early informed, prepared and by listening to government bulletins and advice. Most of the damaged homes were those near the shoreline, which only highlights the need to ban setting up residences near the said areas. And there are still some who refuse to heed advice form authorities.
As for Metro Manila, Ruby already weakened considerably by the time it was closest to the city. It also did not bring the feared rains that other less noticed weather systems brought. I guess the country was spared another Yolanda-esque calamity. Many prayers were most likely answered.
PAGASA is meanwhile basking at the accuracy of its forecast with regards to Ruby's path, even saying they outclassed other weather bureaus. That's good. Let's hope it continues as I'm sure we have not heard the last from Mother Nature's challenges. A good forecast is essential in preparing for a coming howler or deluge. When Ondoy hit Metro Manila, many were not even aware a typhoon entered the country, hence the destruction and loss of life. Ondoy and Yolanda have defined the lives and attitude of millions in the country, which I hope always translates to being better prepared.
I believe we were this time.