Disaster planning saves lives

Heavy rains and floods not only ruined the holidays for many Filipinos across the country, but also destroyed homes, agricultural crops, and infrastructure, and caused the deaths of 52. One death is already too many, but that so many deaths have not been prevented only shows how poorly the government has fared in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

Over the last two weeks, parts of the Philippines experienced heavy rains due to the northeast monsoon (amihan) and the shear line—or that narrow corridor where the cold and warm air converge. It wasn’t even a typhoon, not that the impact wouldn’t have been any less because the weather disturbance still flattened huts made from light materials, uprooted trees in seaside villages, caused massive floods and landslides, as well as damaged roads and bridges. Aside from the 52 deaths—mostly from drowning and the landslides—18 are missing, and more than 680,000 people have been affected.

These facts are oft repeated every time a natural event hits: 1) the Philippines is visited by at least 20 typhoons every year; and 2) that its geographical location makes it one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Not only are there typhoons, but earthquakes may also occur, and even bad weather brought about by a shear line can cause utter suffering and massive destruction amounting to the billions. And while the degree of devastation differs, it often brings about familiar scenes: families scrambling to seek shelter and local government units (LGUs) springing into action to rescue affected communities—as if previous disasters have not provided ample warning and cautionary tales on what could happen if there is no adequate and efficient disaster risk reduction and management plan.

Yet, despite the painful lessons from previous disasters like Supertyphoon “Yolanda,” all the available information, scientific research, and warnings and advice from experts, there is a lack of anticipatory planning. A bloated bureaucracy makes the disaster response even more complicated and riddled with red tape.

There was a proposal to establish a Department of Disaster Management that will centralize all disaster-related policies and programs. But President Marcos Jr. has thumbed it down because he wants to instead place the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), which is tasked to oversee the concerted efforts of national and local governments on natural and man-made disasters, under the Office of the President.

The NDRRMC, established under Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, is headed by the defense secretary, with the secretaries of science and technology, interior and local government, and social welfare and development, among others, as its vice chairs. But there is a need to revisit the law and review the functions of the NDRRMC as its hierarchical structure has impeded swift response and decision-making during emergencies—for example, during Yolanda in 2013, there was confusion among the responders on who was the boss and whose orders they should follow.

This structural problem extends to the drafting and implementation of local disaster risk reduction and management plans (LDRRMPs), which can be affected by politics. After every elections, especially when a new set of local officials takes over, the old LDRRMPs often end up in the bin and a new plan is drafted. How, then, can LGUs progress in DRRM if there is no continuity in the policies and plans? Add to this the perennial complaint about the lack of funds, especially of poor LGUs. This affects training for staff members and the implementation of programs that could help communities prepare better for typhoons, earthquakes, etc.

Aside from reviewing RA 10121, there is also a need to enact a national land use policy that would identify high-risk and danger-prone locations. Mr. Marcos has asked Congress to pass this measure to “provide for a rational and holistic management and development of [the] country’s land and water resources.” At least 17 bills are pending in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate — one of them filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros which requires, aside from a clear delineation of land use categories to ensure food security and sufficiency, the completion of a geohazard mapping program that will provide up to date information for land use planning nationwide.

Filipinos are very much aware of the dangers that natural events pose, but vulnerable communities need institutional support. The government needs to plan ahead and help get them out of harm’s way. This is the only way to prevent deaths and keep the damage and losses to a minimum. It can start by zoning off disaster-prone areas, relocating vulnerable communities to safer locations, and providing permanent shelters that are easily accessible.

There is no need for rescue operations if there is a sound and institutionalized disaster risk reduction and management plan. This will not only maximize the government’s limited resources but will, even more importantly, save lives.