Beyond the quakes and the storm

How much do we now know about the people and communities affected by the deadly earthquake and typhoon Yolanda? Are there coordinating groups present in all affected provinces sustainably monitoring the situation, especially of the disaster survivors?  Are these coordinating groups making a reliable checklist of vital data, needs, and responses per affected area?

What should be included in that updated and regular checklist to be shared publicly as soon as possible? Allow us to enumerate some of these vital information and perhaps you may all wish to contribute your suggestions as well so that a comprehensive checklist can cover all those who need to be assisted in all affected areas soonest and most effectively.

Topping our checklist is the present situation of all those in the disaster-affected areas. Who, how many were affected, in what areas? Have all been reached and assisted for their basic and medical needs?

Can a GIS map of people, areas, needs, type and source of assistance provided be made and released soon to urgently identify and guide relief teams to hurry to other areas where survivors are still awaiting urgent aid?

Can there be a regular update about the number of people affected per area who have been assisted for their needs for food, water, power, clothing and shelter? Can updates also include updates about the various local and international organizations assisting in what communities and the types of assistance rendered, including the names and numbers of beneficiaries soonest? Can the checklist also include monitoring groups accounting for and taking care responsibly for the receipt and effective distribution of all assistance and aid per location?

Can the list of people also input the important data about vulnerable groups, the children, the women, the elderly, the PWDs (persons with disabilities) and the migrants?

Next to updates about the disaster-affected people, their needs and the various responses to their needs or lack of outreach till now, can we include in the checklist the state of the infrastructure and facilities in the affected areas?

Can updates be more specific about the communities, the location of roads and other infrastructures and facilities destroyed and restored after the disasters? Can there be an inventory about possible community resources that can be tapped for sustainable supply of safe food and water sources, reliable shelter materials and others that can be used for rehabilitation and reconstruction?

Basic, reliable, and comprehensive updates and information are very crucial for effective delivery of appropriate services and resources to all disaster victims and survivors soonest. The reliable updates can also serve as vital guides to direct responding teams and agencies about who to assist, where, and how. Such updates will ensure that all will be reached, hopefully, within the soonest time possible.

With the present focus on the typhoon victims, let us all remember as well that quake victims in other provinces are still awaiting assistance and support to move on with their lives. Sadly, we learned just this week that like many of the typhoon survivors, many quake survivors are still sheltered in temporary tents that are not strong enough to protect them from strong winds and rains.

Let no one be forgotten in the midst of this very enormous demand for immediate and sustainable aid and support for all disaster victims and survivors. Having effective communication and coordination centers with comprehensive checklist of affected people and their needs, their locations and the various local and international responses rendered can be a very urgent step to take soonest please.

There are still so many needing relief and support and so much to do for all of us. Let us all do our best where we can, how we can, and let us all strive and pray that we all survive all these disasters as a united people, a united nation, and a much more humane local and global community.

The advent season reminds us that this is the season of love and hope through the birth of Jesus Christ sent and shared by God our Father for our salvation and redemption. May this love extend to all our disaster-affected brothers and sisters soonest and may this love and support from us all be there for all seasons, beyond quakes and disasters.

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