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| @ mirandablue |
My world is inundated by typhoons and monsoon rains---three typhoons this past week alone. We were hit by six typhoons in July, the most recent, "Lando", is the 12th tropical depression this year. Flash floods, landslides, missing fishermen were in the news as well as images of evacuees, flooded streets, damaged crops, bridges and homes. An average of 20 typhoons hit the Philippines every year but it seems that we are always caught unprepared.
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| @ mirandablue |
Some observers say our weather forecasting has improved, alert systems are in place. But I believe preventive measures remain a challenge. Communities in high-risk areas continue to mushroom despite warnings from risk managers. The bahala na (come what may) attitude of Filipinos somehow contributes to non-preparation for any disastrous event.
There is a Japanese expression "shikata ga nai" which is roughly translated to "it couldn't be helped". It may be the Filipino equivalent of "bahala na"---the difference is, the Japanese takes every possible precaution to confront the wrath of fate. While we say "bahala na" and we totally surrender to God and the whims of destiny.
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| @ mirandablue |
The annual cost of loss of lives, property and crops is not cheap, the human suffering immeasurable. We learn our lessons after every disaster, we become more resilient with every passing calamity. But we need to do more---be more proactive rather than reactive. Push our leaders to take definite actions, seriously implement zoning, upgrade the agencies in disaster risk management.
This is My World-Tuesday and Watery Wednesday
I understand your frustration. North Americans build homes in dangerous places, too, I'm afraid. And then they expect insurance companies to pay for their losses. Hmmm.
ReplyDeleteWe can not predict when a disaster come. All we have to do is prepare for the best.
ReplyDeleteyou are so right about all these preventive actions to be taken especially since typhoons and bad weather arrive like clockwork in the philippines.
ReplyDeletenow with weather forecasting, that's a different case altogether. even for us it's a hit or miss sometimes. take for instance last week. on wednesday they forecasted that thursday, friday and saturday would be HOT. get ready. when those days arrive, we needed sweaters :)
weather has a mind of its own.
This is tragic, the losses. Stay safe dear friend!
ReplyDeletenow i am experiencing what manila really is like. :)
ReplyDeleteI, too, can understand your frustration! And EG is right about people here expecting insurance companies to pick up the tab! Terrific post for the day! And, yes, weather does indeed have a mind of its own! Hope your week goes well!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Lovely pics - but such a shame about the destruction.
ReplyDeleteSometimes the weather can be unpredictable. But, it is always great to be prepared for emergencies. We could use some rain here, it has been dry lately. Thanks for sharing your world.
ReplyDeleteWe should always be prepared but sometimes we shrug our shoulder and thought that it won't come but it will ^_^ Hope the typhoon there is not as bad as last year. ^_^
ReplyDeleteBlue & Water
Oh, that's too much water!
ReplyDeleteFEEL THE WATERS’ HEALING
If you’re stressed and weary
Try a thing or two:
Go down to the river,
Take a friend with you;
Take your shoes and socks off,
Plunge in twenty toes—
Feel the waters’ healing
As the river flows!
© 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher
Puddle of Light
Your pictures are so evocative. I can understand your frustation. It is the same situation here.
ReplyDeleteHay, I coudnt agree with you more. I think that is one disadvantage of being a Catholic country that we all believe that God will save us. Of course he will, but we always forget the other half of the saying, that God helps those who help themselves! I have my own share of horror stories when it comes to typhoons. Hay, I hope things will be better soon!
ReplyDeleteCambagat Cave
Yes, it has been and will continue to be a rainy year for us. It actually inched its way into our summer! Agree to about preventive measures. I think we need to seriously look into trash management and reforestation. Easier said than done, I know.
ReplyDeletethe Filipino attitude is remarkably similar to Indian!
ReplyDeleteI think I know how you feel, Miranda. There's something much more we can do to prepare for typhoons than for earthquakes which take place abruptly and difficult to predict. Japanese "Shikata ga nai" is cultural expression of the people who have lived with earthquakes, which is impossible for us to avoid.
ReplyDeleteWe are surviving sizzling and sweltering summer with energy-saving mode. Wish you more peaceful days apart from tropical depression.
Yoko
You're right, it's been raining here for weeks now and it has affected businesses, agriculture and transportation. Anyway, I hope everyone stays safe.
ReplyDeleteAmen to this, Luna, well said! I'm sick of it na. The weather and the lack of prep. We've been moving house the past few weeks and it was made more grueling with these incessant rains...
ReplyDeleteI don't understand how people won't take the warning seriously and be prepared! Yes, come what may but a little less damage would be much better than total devastation.
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos, Miranda and stay safe!
i too was thinking of making a post of the typhoon. it has been too many from the past weeks.
ReplyDeletetoo lazy to travel.
Six typhoons in one month seemed too much for everyone :(
ReplyDeleteBe safe!
Sorry to hear you have so many typhoons. I had no idea there were so many there every year. On a lighter note, your photography is brilliant.
ReplyDeletewhen things like this happens words never enough to express what one feels. :(
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Very well said! Nice shots.
ReplyDeleteMy Watery Entry
Isn't it amazing how water can be both friend and foe and we can't always predict which it will be? I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post and hope all goes well for you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. They earn a place in a travel magazine! Somehow the rain and the wood structures just moved me so much
ReplyDeleteFrustrating, to be sure. Your photos are as engaging as your text!
ReplyDeleteOh i missed this post, i love the serenity of the rainy shots. I am one of the few who loves the rainy atmosphere, even if it's here in the flooded streets of MM.
ReplyDelete