MANILA, Philippines - A country like Japan was prepared for the worst, but today its capability to deal with calamity is being tested by a three-pronged disaster in its midst: a magnitude 9 earthquake, a tsunami that followed, and threats of a radiation leak from a nuclear plant in Fukushima.
When the post-disaster efforts are over, the full impact of the disaster assessed and addressed, and the residual threats of damaged reactors are resolved, Japan will have to revisit its disaster preparedness efforts and how it can be better-prepared for disasters.
It’s a lesson countries like the Philippines can learn, even as it had its own share of tragedies wrought by nature, and lessons and solutions on how to manage disasters before and when they strike.
In the wake of recent calamities that have struck the Philippines, and now its neighbors in the Asia-Pacific like New Zealand and Japan, and in the face of uncertain risks from unpredictable circumstances, there is nothing better than working towards being disaster-ready.
Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chairman and Senator Richard Gordon believes that the Philippines should improve its capability to deal with disasters.
"Increasing capability means better chances of survival," Gordon said on ANC's Dateline Philippines on Sunday.
Gordon said the Philippines has gone a long way with disaster mitigation efforts, thanks to laws like Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction And Management Act of 2010.
The law assesses disaster vulnerable areas, proper zoning to help reduce risks to life and property, as well as improve the public's response.
"We're still in our early days but the law is a big difference."
"The new law emphasizes not reaction alone. Now you don't spend on just relief."
Gordon, who co-authored the bill, said whereas funds used to just go to relief, now they're being spent for disaster preparedness efforts, allowing local governments to tap 70% of calamity fund for training, providing equipment and communications so they can better manage disaster situations and reduce the vulnerability of their communities.
Army of volunteers "We encourage volunteers. Every person can be a volunteer, so you can support its activities, learn to survive and help alleviate human suffering."
"We're trying to create a nationwide army of volunteers in every baranggay."
Gordon is referring to his flagship program "Red Cross 143," which refers to one leader plus 43 active responders in every baranggay who will be armed with whistles and are familiar with whom to call, and initiate an evacuation or conduct a rescue when necessary.
"143 seeks to get into all the baranggays , so you have overnight 1.8 million disaster-savvy first responders," Gordon said.
"If every baranggay can help by cellphone operations, Red Cross 143 can give instructions or find out what's happening so they can prepare."
Gordon said the PRC also hopes to improve disaster preparedness efforts, by making the country's technical staff ready in case the worst comes.
"We're dealing with hospitals to know which patients to bring in which hospitals, which are overloaded, tents to bring patients, along with surgical capability."
"We're now working on plans to make sure we can trace people in hospitals and connect them with their families, help hospitals in case they're overwhelmed with volunteer nurses from the Red Cross. Our first responders tell them the condition of the patients. We are upgrading the emergency management technicians we have, so doctors are aware of what needs to be administered."
In a country like the Philippines that is often stricken by disasters, Gordon said survival depends on developing a culture of safety and knowing how to deal with emergencies.
Drills not enough Schools have adopted disaster-preparedness into its curriculum, but Gordon stressed that knowing how to deal with disasters should be part of everyday life.
"Drills will not be enough... The best disaster plan is to prepare for it: predict the hazards, plan for it, prepare for it, and practice it so you can cope and mitigate the situation and stay alive."
Gordon said the job involves finding out the danger whether it be near a fault line or by the mountainside, or a volcano facing an imminent eruption.
"Every household should have a CPR first aider who's trained. Train your maid, eldest son, call the fire department."
The PRC said being aware of one’s location and vulnerability to disaster is key.
Rodino Cruz, Chapter Service Representative for Safety Services Philippine Red Cross-Quezon City Chapter said, before a disaster people should assess the structural plan of the house and building to be familiar with exits and where to walk or stay.
During a quake, people should stand still or find a sturdy place to hide, and should stay away from falling debris. After the quake, they should go out of the building and inspect the house for gas leaks and faulty wiring to prevent fires. 72-hour survival kit The organization is also promoting a 72-hour survival kit that can spell the difference when disaster strikes. "Pinopromote namin back to basics. No need to buy expensive disaster kits," said Cruz.
Necessary items include essential provisions like water – about 3.5 liters or a gallon per person per day – food, a whistle, flashlight and extra batteries, and a first aid kit with necessary medicine, antiseptic, scissors bandages. Rice, easy to open canned goods, noodles and a transistor radio are also good to have.
In case of floods, a water filter, chlorine to help purify and remove microorganisms from the water, plus items that can be converted into a floating device.
He added that it also helps to have emergency cash and important documents like passports and hospital records within reach.
Knowing who to call and where to go and being armed with the necessary information are essential to survival. Philippine Red Cross hotlines: PRC-NHQ: 527-0000 PRC-QC: 920-3672 web: www.redcross.org.ph
