The terror of rampaging weather, and the need for multifaceted solutions

The images and videos showing the rampaging floods in the Visayas and storm surges in parts of Luzon over the last week are terrifying reminders of how natural fury can be unleashed in a short time, causing damage to property and loss of precious life.

- JOHN TRIA

We must heed its lessons for the development of our land and water resources and forge solutions that sustain life in these ecosystems.

Having lived in Metro Manila, time was when we would monitor the onslaught of typhoons on the radio or television while electricity remained connected before the brunt of the extreme weather event fell. After the storms would pass, the aftermath saw felled trees that took down with them electric and telephone connections, blown-off roofs, and caused days-long power outages. If floods occurred, the cleanup and recovery would take days. The reaction of the public would take time as most would need to prioritize their recovery. We watched the aftermath in many areas on TV once electric power was restored.