Hagupit

   Typhoon Hagupit will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility several hours from now. The government sure did act quickly by laying out the scenario and likelihood of what's to come once the storm landfalls. Unfortunately, it will be passing by Eastern Visayas, where it was heavily damaged by typhoon Haiyan last year. PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration), NDRMCC (National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council) have urged the local governments who will be in the storm's path to prematurely evacuate their residents, especially those that are living in coastal areas as storm surges going up to 4 meters high are likely to appear.

   This has always been the scenario in the country whenever a typhoon is about to hit us. I know, that this is the global effect of global warming, and we're a long way from combating its deadly effects but this cycle of always waiting in anxious anticipation has got to stop. The government and its citizen should start working together in dealing better whenever a typhoon comes. A reliable weather forecasting system, a coordinated disaster response program, and cooperation are factors in ensuring that property damage and loss of life is minimized or better yet, prevented.

   But for now, we should stock on food, batteries, and other stuff needed for emergency purposes. Make sure our phones are charged and with call credits and always check in with your loved ones if you're outside when the storm hits.  

   Measured optimism is what we all need.