Four Lessons Filipinos Can Learn from 10 Dreadful Typhoons

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Of the many countries in the world, Philippines is the most exposed to typhoons. This is because of its location in the Pacific region, where many tropical cyclones develop and move westward towards the Pearl of the Orient.

While Filipinos have a mindset to experience up to 20 typhoons each year, it always comes as a surprise whenever one landfalls and batters certain areas. The saddest thing is that these natural disasters claim many lives and damage properties and infrastructures.

Let’s look back at the most devastating typhoons to ever hit the country in its history.

1. September 1881 typhoon (Haiphong)

Records show that this event was the deadliest tropical cyclone to impact the country at least since documentation began. Reportedly, it killed 20,000 people as it crossed Southern Luzon areas.

2. Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan)

Known as the deadliest typhoon in recent history, Haiyan became the thirtieth named storm that originated in the Pacific in 2013. It impacted the Pacific islands of Micronesia and Palau and other Asian nations (Vietnam, Taiwan, and southern China) but hit the Philippines the worst. The NDRRMC said it claimed 6,300 lives, injured 28,689 people, and left 1,061 still missing.

3. Tropical storm Uring (Thelma)

Uring struck just five months after Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991. Although categorized only as a tropical storm, Uring brought torrential rains and caused massive flooding in most of the Visayas region. It killed 5,081 people.

4. Super typhoon Pablo (Bopha)

It was the strongest cyclone of 2012 and the strongest to ever hit Mindanao. It caused power outages, flooding, and landslides in many provinces in southern Mindanao. Super typhoon Pablo claimed 1,067 lives and left 834 people missing.

5. Typhoon Nitang (Ike)

Typhoon Nitang intensified its strength shortly before it approached the Philippines, through northeastern Mindanao. It caused 1,492 fatalities and displaced up to 400,000 people.

6. Tropical storm Sendong (Washi)

The storm hit the country during 2011’s Christmas season. It triggered massive evacuation efforts, leptospirosis outbreak in certain area, and declaration of state of national calamity (in the affected provinces). The number of fatalities remained uncertain and was pegged between 1,268 and 2,546.

7. Typhoon Yoyong (Amy)

It struck the Visayas region in December 1951. This typhoon triggered the eruption of Mount Hibok-hibok for six times and declaration of state of public calamity in 11 provinces. At least 569 lives were lost during its devastation and aftermath.

Other devastating typhoons that hit the Philippines were:

8. Typhoon Rosing (Angela) – 1995; claimed 882 lives
9. Typhoon Sisang (Nina) – 1987; claimed 808 lives
10. Typhoon Frank (Fengshen) – 2008; claimed 598 lives 

While many lives were lost in these calamities, Pinoys remain grateful for learning the best lessons in life: resiliency, preparedness, cooperation, and positivity.

Typhoon Season Essential: Keeping Survival Kit at Home

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It’s typhoon season in the Philippines once again and it’s time to take extra precaution and be prepared every single second. Knowing what’s happening in your surrounding really matters.

Are you safe enough at home when a typhoon lashes in your area? What if torrential rains and massive flooding hit and force you and your family to stay indoors for days?

Well, the best way to keep safe and stay alive is to keep a survival kit—one that you can carry, use at home, and take with you in case evacuation is inevitable.

What should you have in your kit for you to survive during and after the onslaught of the storm?

Must-Haves

Allot a space in your home which can be accessible at any time. This place can store the most useful stuff during cool weather.

Here’s what you should prepare as a storm survival kit:

Tools

Power supply is often cut during heavy downpour. Hence, it is wise if you store these tools:

• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Battery-powered radio
• Fully charged cellphone
• Candles
• Matches 

Food items and consumables

Staying indoors for a number of days will surely make you hungry and thirsty. Also, cool weather often triggers illness. Hence, you should have these items:

• Bottled water
• Nonperishable foods (canned goods, etc.)
• Medicine

Things with surprising uses

People’s creativity can save lives during massive flooding. Know how “trivial” things can help you survive when disaster strikes.

• Empty water container – You can hold on to this when water level rises. Make sure it is sealed and it will serve as a floating aid.
• Block of polystyrene (styropor, Styrofoam) – Like empty water storage, it can serve as a floatation device, which can save human and animal lives.
• Rope – Tying one or both ends of a rope to a stable structure can help you during strong current of floodwaters.
• Duct tape – This seems to be the most versatile of all inventions. It can be used for a variety of purposes before, during, and after a catastrophic event.

Other essentials

• First aid kit
• Swiss knife
• Manual can opener
• Plastic utensils
• Garbage bags
• Whistle

Benefits to Enjoy

You must ensure that you’re keeping a survival kit with these things all-year round. Don’t wait for a storm to come before you have them inside your home.

All these stuff will keep you safe and help you survive when no other people are there to reach out.

What’s your thought about this article? Share them by writing in the comments section below.

What to Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake at Work

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Knowing the do’s and don’ts can help you survive when the Big One strikes. Use these survival tips to prepare yourself for an earthquake at work.

Before the Earthquake

1. You must know how to act and be prepared so your response is automatic. Identify the safest places in your work area to drop, cover, and hold. Know at least two ways to exit the building after the earthquake.

2. Prepare an emergency survival kit: portable radio, extra batteries, flashlight, whistle, blankets, clothes, shoes, money, and first aid kit. Also, prepare food and water that can last for three days.

3. Plan your work area for safety. Place heavy objects on low shelves and breakable objects in cabinets with latches. Anchor bookcases, large file cabinets, and artworks.

During the Earthquake

4. Stay calm as the quake occurs so that others will follow you. If you’re indoors, move away from windows and unsecured furniture. Protect your head, neck, and face and stay under a sturdy table or along an interior wall until the shaking stops and debris settles.

5. If you’re outdoors, look for and stay in an open area away from falling hazards like trees, buildings, and power lines. Drop to the ground, cover your head and neck, and hold until the shaking stops.

After the Earthquake

6. Stay calm and check yourself and other for injuries. Administer first aid but don’t move injured people unless they’re in danger.

7. Expect and prepare for aftershocks that can last for days for large earthquakes.

8. Asses your surroundings and know how to access and use your survival kit. Plan how to move around and exit in the dark. Beware of unstable objects and structures.

9. If possible, leave the building with extreme caution. Take your personal belongings and lookout for falling debris and other threats. Don’t attempt to enter damaged buildings until an “all clear” signal is given.

10. If possible, use your telephone to report emergencies. Cellphone lines can be jammed, so if can’t make a call just send a text message because they can take less bandwidth.

Do you have other tips for earthquake survival? Please share your thoughts and comments below.

8 Must Have Items to Survive This Rainy Season with Style

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The rainy season has officially started! The tanning sun and sweat-inducing weather is now over and with unpredictable downpours every now and then, it pays to be ready. Whether you’re at work or in school, having these 8 items will not only prevent you from getting sick, it will also keep you clean, dry, and fabulous.

1. Umbrella

An umbrella should always be present in your bag to shield you not only from rain but also from the scorching hot sun. Ditch the boring black classics and go for stylish and foldable that will fit in your bag.

2. Waterproof Bag

Opt for a roomy and rainproof bag to keep your things dry. You can also bring an extra plastic bag for your wet umbrella or jacket.

3. Boots or Plastic Shoes

If you’re in a flood-prone area, wearing a pair of boots can save you from the costs of buying a new pair of shoes or diseases like leptospirosis. But if you want to remain fashionable, you can opt for jelly or plastic shoes that come in various colors and designs.

4. Raincoat or Waterproof Jackets

Keep yourself dry and warm with raincoat or jackets. Go for bright colors to keep the mood up amid the low, gloomy weather.

5. Skin-Toned Undies

Getting drenched in the rain is inevitable no matter how prepared we are. So if you don’t want strangers to know what you’re wearing your lucky red underwear, go for the neutral tones.

6. Alcohol or Hand Sanitizer

Personal hygiene must always come first to keep yourself from getting sick during the rainy season. If washrooms are nowhere in sight, a small bottle of alcohol or hand sanitizer can be handy in keeping you safe from diseases and infections.

7. Lip balm and Lotion

Always carry some lip balm and lotion to keep your lips and skin from drying and chapping during the cold rainy weather.

8. Tissue or Wipes

A pack of tissue or wipes will help keep you clean the water, mud, and dirt from your body and to dry your things that are drenched in the rain.

Do you have other must have items for the rainy days? Share them on the comments section below.