Thankfully, we are not alone

More video and pictures of the widespread destruction caused by typhoon Yolanda continue to hog the news, showing the rest of the country just how much has been lost in terms of life and property. Heart-wrenching photos such as that of parents carrying their dead children, people dazed by the calamity, not knowing what to do, people crying over dead loved ones. A massive cargo ship resting on top of destroyed houses along the coastline serves as testament to the power of Yolanda.

International news services also covered the calamity, showing the world what the 6th most powerful typhoon in the world to hit land has done. And the world has thankfully responded, letting us know we are not alone. Many countries have pledged monetary and logistical support for the typhoon ravaged areas and victims. Giant corporations have also responded. The US Navy is sending its largest aircraft carrier for logistical support. Even the Vatican had pledged financial support, with the Holy Father sympathizing and praying for all those affected. I would estimate the financial support already running into the millions of dollars, very much welcome and needed for humanitarian services. It is my hope that all the financial help do reach the intended recipients, and this administration is very capable of doing that. 

But with all these good news of help and logistical support, images and reports of looting still continue. So the debate continues as to what to do with these looters, whether to punish them or not. Personally, I don't know how emptying a warehouse of tires helps in the current situation of those affected by the storm. The military and police may already be at Tacloban, but for some businesses, it is too late. Both sides can debate about the issue all they want. To me, stealing tires in the middle of a calamity is just plain stealing, period. I really wonder if businessmen will still put up businesses in Tacloban, seeing first-hand what was done to the businesses there. Every typhoon that comes along will just make them nervous as hell.

It is really sad that calamities such as this one bring out the best, and definitely the worst in people.  But there are exceptions. I remember the massive earthquake in Kobe, Japan. Devastation was also widespread, but no looting was reported. Same with the massive earthquake and tsunami in Fukushima, Japan. Same thing. Widespread destruction, loss of life, chaos. No looting. You have to be amazed at that.

It is obvious that we need something similar to the National Guard of the US, who are the first to respond during calamities. They have orders to shoot looters on sight. The military must be mobilized right away in times of calamities, precisely to prevent looting, such as the magnitude we witnessed in Tacloban. While it is understandable that a typhoon of Yolanda's magnitude may delay their deployment, it shouldn't take two days to do so. If anything is as important as food and water during calamities, it is time.