From Yolanda to Pepito: Lessons on Preparedness, Progress, and Vulnerability

From Yolanda to Pepito: Lessons on Preparedness, Progress, and Vulnerability

By Glenn Rivera

Reflection for Today (November 16, 2024)

The devastation wrought by Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013 remains etched in my memory. It was a sobering moment when the sheer power of nature laid bare our collective vulnerabilities, both as individuals and as a nation. Today, as Typhoon Pepito intensifies, packing winds of 195 kph and gusts of up to 240 kph, I find myself comparing the two storms and reflecting on what has changed, or stayed the same, over the years.

Yolanda was an eye-opener. With sustained winds of 315 kph, it was a monster storm, a super typhoon unlike any we had seen before. The storm surge it brought caught many off-guard, leading to the tragic loss of over 6,300 lives and massive destruction in Eastern Visayas. What went wrong then was a failure to appreciate the storm's true magnitude. Communications were unclear, and warnings about the storm surge were not effectively conveyed to communities. To this day, I still wonder how many lives could have been saved if the government had been more prepared, or if people had been adequately informed about the risks.

Fast forward to November 2024, and we are now facing Pepito. While not as catastrophic as Yolanda, at least not yet, it is already classified as a powerful typhoon with the potential to cause serious damage. The meteorological data is unsettling. I am thankful that modern advancements in forecasting and early warning systems have given us more time to prepare, but there’s a lingering fear that some lessons from Yolanda may not have fully taken root in every corner of the country.

From a scientific perspective, Pepito is another example of how climate change exacerbates the intensity of storms. Warmer sea surface temperatures and atmospheric instability have made storms stronger and more frequent. Sociologically, this means more stress for vulnerable communities, particularly those already struggling with poverty. Educational campaigns about disaster preparedness have improved, but gaps remain in making these efforts truly inclusive, especially for marginalized sectors like indigenous peoples and those in remote areas.

Politically, I see progress, albeit slow and uneven. Yolanda's aftermath highlighted the need for a more robust disaster risk reduction framework, and we now have better institutions like the NDRRMC. However, local government units still face logistical challenges, and corruption remains a thorn in the side of public trust. I’ve observed that while some regions have embraced Yolanda’s lessons, building resilient homes and infrastructure, others are still woefully unprepared.

One of the stark differences between the two storms lies in public awareness. I sense a greater willingness among people today to heed warnings and evacuate when necessary. Yet, complacency still exists, particularly in urban areas where people assume they are safe. It frustrates me to see how economic inequality forces some to choose between protecting their homes and prioritizing their safety.

Looking at Pepito through an educational lens, I am reminded of the importance of integrating disaster awareness into school curricula. Students should not only learn about typhoons in textbooks but also practice disaster response through drills. This will ensure that the next generation is better equipped to face these challenges.

Reflecting on Yolanda and Pepito, I feel a mixture of hope and anxiety. We have made strides in disaster preparedness and resilience, but much work remains. What Yolanda taught me is the value of foresight, the need for clear communication, and the urgency of acting decisively. What Pepito reminds me is that the fight against nature’s fury is far from over, and the key to survival lies in unity, accountability, and adaptability.

As I watch the reports on Pepito unfold, I can only hope that the Philippines will rise above this challenge with fewer losses and greater resolve. If Yolanda was our wake-up call, Pepito should be our reminder that there’s no room for complacency in the face of climate realities. Together, we must ensure that lessons from the past are not just remembered but acted upon, decisively and with compassion.