Aside from the destruction caused by typhoon Glenda itself, there was little man-made that added to the losses. This made it possible for Glenda to go down in history as one relatively powerful storm that did not do what was normally expected of such storms.
Credit may go to better and more precise forecasting by Philippine meteorologists. A comparison between the forecasts and the actual track of the typhoon would show a remarkable precision that everyone would wish is the new benchmark at the Pagasa.
Credit may also go to the various disaster and law enforcement agencies who, learning from lessons of the past, have prepositioned people, material, and other resources in order to be where they are needed when needed.
And then, credit may as well go to the people themselves who, also learning from the lessons of the past, and moved in no small measure by remembrances of Yolanda, generally acceded to demands by authorities to comply with decisions with nothing but their own safety in mind.
Everyone and everything seemed to gel perfectly, such that, to a great extent, virtually almost no one was left in harm's way. Only those who were perhaps truly destined by fate to suffer actually suffered. To the great relief of everyone, only that which is truly unavoidable was suffered.
It is therefore hoped that such a response to an imminent natural threat will be the same, or made even better, when the next circumstances arise that such a response is required. This is truly something that has to be internalized and made the norm.
For as we have been repeatedly warned, and with ever greater frequency, weather disturbances are now getting more often and more ferocious. And the patterns of their occurrence have significantly shifted that what used to be before can no longer be relied to be the same anymore.
When conventional wisdom no longer applies, it often pays to take heed of advices and instructions from those who have the skills and the expertise to give them. Increasingly, people will have to be more dependent on professional assistance for their own safety and security.
In this regard, now would be the more opportune time for government to pour in more resources to make the frontliners at every storm even more qualified to perform a job upon which so many lives depend. We have seen what quality work can do. Government must move to make sure such quality is sustained or made even better.