[FEATURE] Hagupit ng Bagyong Maring: Philippines hit by year’s most powerful storm
Written by James Manliclic
Typhoon Maring’s hit on the Philippines brings “catastrophic” winds and rain with it. Maring made landfall as a severe tropical storm at Fuga island, a part of the Babuyan Group of Islands, on Monday at 8:10 p.m. local time, packing winds of 25 km/h.
As of October 17, 2021, the death toll rises to 39 people amid reports of landslides, heavy flash floods, and electrical breakdowns. Almost 194,700 people were affected across seven regions, including parts of the southern island of Mindanao, and more than 14,000 were still displaced as of Thursday.
READ: Hagupit ng Bagyong Maring | by ABS-CBN News
Maring left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on October 12, but its effects continue to cause problems on the northern Luzon island, most notably Cagayan and Ilocos. According to government officials, the number of recorded deaths and agricultural damage from typhoons has increased. It has already inflicted approximately P2 billion worth of damages affecting over 60,000 farmers making Maring the most catastrophic natural disaster to strike the Philippines this year.
Some of the department’s available interventions include a P172-million quick response fund to restore affected areas; over 187,000 bags of rice, corn, and assorted vegetable seeds; and an emergency loan capped at P20,000 each with zero interest and no collateral, payable in 10 years. (Jara M., 2021)
How can you prepare for the next typhoon?
The Philippines is no stranger to powerful storms. We never know when and how it will have a significant effect on us. Hence, a piece of good knowledge and a well-constructed plan can guide us throughout the disaster.
- Constructing a family emergency plan. Always discuss with your family about communication, contacts, escape routes, etc.
- Prepare emergency kits, relief goods, extra clothes, tents, etc. With the pandemic, don’t forget your masks! Bring the necessary documents and survival kits with you.
- Condition yourselves to be able to live without power, water, gas, phone, and internet. To prevent further stress or panic amid evacuation, it is best to prepare yourselves for any temporary changes to your lifestyle for the time being. Be resourceful, be cautious in using limited resources.
- Know the evacuation sites that you could go to. Be aware of the routes, and familiarize yourself in different areas of your community.
- Learn emergency skills. Participate in any programs involving emergency protocols or exercises, like CPR, earthquake readiness, etc.
Typhoon preparations are getting more challenging because of the threat of getting the Covid-19 virus. But don’t let this be a hindrance to being safe. Always wear a mask and keep a lookout for the next storm!
THE AUTHOR
Hello there! I am James Christian B. Manliclic, a writer in the features section. I usually spend my leisure time playing games or exploring MS PowerPoint. Pretty boring, isn’t it? Being a usual presenter in class, I believe that in every presentation; it needs a little sugar, spice & everything nice!
As a writer, I like to put a lot of my experiences and lessons into what I write. I want readers to see my articles as something they can connect and agree with. That is why I usually write tips and tricks in most of my articles. Tigercubs, for me, is a path where people can learn and share something with the world. Remember, don’t get bitter, just get better!
