EDITORIAL — Learning from the past

It has been 11 years since super typhoon Yolanda thrashed and laid waste to parts of the Philippines. Many of us cannot forget the scenes of death and devastation that followed in its wake. Almost everyone who was affected has a story to tell.

We have memories, yes. But did we learn the lessons that came with it? We say we didn’t learn that well or need to remember the lessons harder, because it seems many areas appear to have been caught off-guard by typhoons Kristine, Leon, and just more recently, Marce.

The latest disturbance affected 7,233 families in various provinces in at least three regions in Northern Luzon, namely the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

High winds destroyed many houses and government buildings, while many areas were flooded. People had to be evacuated, the services of government offices put off, and classes cancelled. Of course, there was also damage to crops and agriculture.

And for now there seems to be no let-up, because as of this writing a low-pressure area has intensified into a tropical depression and is now called being called Nika.

Fears are solid that, considering the track of previous storms, it might just hit areas that haven’t recovered yet from previous storms --if it does turn into one.

Unlike fires or earthquakes that come without warning, storms can be observed and reported before they actually hit. Thanks to satellite technology and also social media, many of us are usually well aware of a storm before it actually hits. Many of us also have ample time to prepare.

We can actually be ready for even the strongest of storms, whether it’s to stock up on items needed, knowing the safe places to go if one can no longer shelter in place, knowing to move people safely should evacuation be needed, or how to help people or entire communities get back on their feet quickly after the disaster has passed.

Eleven years is a long time, but we would like to think that individual families, communities, and local government units have learned from the bitter experience that was super typhoon Yolanda.