Feature

Iloilo was prepared

By Pepin

When typhoon Yolanda hit Iloilo, people were expecting that the flood control effort would save the province from the devastation, and it did. The people were more prepared to face the super typhoon after the incident with Typhoon Frank left unfathomable wreckage back in June 2008.

It can be remembered that a lot of families were displaced, properties were destroyed, and lives were lost when Frank smashed the province with strong winds and heavy rains that caused flooding in many areas, including the metropolis. The aftermath was just inconceivable with major roads blocked with bulky sludge and people scouting for food, water, and shelter.

The local government learned a vital lesson from that tragedy and conceptualized strategies to secure the community. Different sectors were able to contribute for the planning and implementation of those strategies.

The flood control system cost quite a sum of money, but it was able to effectively contain flood water that rushed from the highlands when Typhoon Yolanda hit the province. As a result, potential damage to properties was avoided and lives were spared.

However, the government and private sectors should still continue to work together to address flooding in some low-lying areas and to train people on disaster management. The public should also proactively participate in protecting the environment. One of the best things to do is to keep sewage and water paths clear of garbage and prohibited constructions.

Keeping people informed on how they can be able to help themselves and the rest of the community when calamities strike can save more lives.