Nobody really needs this right now. A very strong typhoon is fast approaching the country, and from the looks of it, it will hit land. With winds almost matching those of Yolanda and Pablo, it is most definitely a cause for concern. As to where exactly, it is still a toss up between the Eastern Visayas and the Bicol regions. If a drastic change in other factors do occur, such as a high pressure area off the coast of Japan, it may even swerve up to Luzon. But like I said, nobody really needs this right now.
The holiday season is upon us. People are already caught up in it. Bonuses have been given, shopping has commenced, preparations for Christmas Eve dinners already under way, no matter how lavish or simple. Everyone is trying to be in a festive mood. A super typhoon most likely headed for the same places ravaged by Yolanda is not in anyone's plans, especially Taclobanons who are already preparing for Pope Francis' visit in January of next year. But those plans have to take a back seat as they prepare for another destroyer from the heavens.
People have started buying the usual typhoon essentials like canned food, bottled water, candles, batteries, flashlights, extra warm clothing and even gasoline. I hope those who decided to go back and live by the shoreline have already evacuated for possible storm surges that may happen. Yolanda should be a bitter reminder of what a storm surge is and what it can do.
Whatever rehabilitation that has taken place in Tacloban is now going to be tested. Infrastructure has not been fully restored. The houses that have been built will undergo an acid test of sorts. And the issue of corruption still plagues the system, adding delays to the already very slow pace of rehabilitation. For a place that has not fully recovered from Yolanda's wrath, it really seems unfair that they may have to endure another storm of similar caliber.
There really is nothing we can do about typhoons but pray and hope for the best. I'm sure Pope Francis has already been informed of the situation, and is now praying that a miracle happens to spare not only Tacloban, but the whole country from another calamity.