Displacement, Casualties, and Continued Warnings: Everything to Know and Learn from the Crising Aftermath

MANILA, Philippines — Following several months of extreme heat, the Philippines was faced with heavy rains and floodings prompted by a severe tropical storm (STS) locally called Bagyong Crising. With an international name of Whipa, Crising was initially a low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) before it developed into a tropical depression, and eventually, a severe tropical storm.

Leaving behind a devastating aftermath, with DOH putting its operational centers on Code White Alert, Crising has marked itself destructive and threatening to the whole country. As published by NDRRMC, hundreds of thousands families have been displaced and affected, with five casualties and seven people missing. Several areas also suffered from related accidents and calamities such as landslides and floodings, causing an estimated infrastructure damage of P219.3 million and multiple bridge and road obstructions.

The severe tropical storm was since reported to leave the PAR last Saturday morning, but its damaging impact remains endured across the country. With the possibility of developing into a typhoon, Crising continues to distress the Philippines due to the southwest monsoon or habagat. Throughout the coming week, Filipinos may expect to experience moderate to intense rain across several areas such as the Ilocos Region, southeast and central Luzon, Visayas, and Northern Mindanao.

Meanwhile, as PAGASA continues to observe Crising outside PAR, a new low pressure area is being monitored. This LPA will be named Dante if developed into a tropical cyclone. In line with this, Filipinos are advised to remain alert and prepared for the expected rainfalls.

Year after year, the intense heat and severe flooding experienced in the country stand as a ringing manifestation of the deteriorating environmental condition all over the globe. Warnings on how pervasive construction of infrastructures and shifting lifestyle of individuals entail detrimental repercussions, making the Earth increasingly prone to disasters, fall on deaf ears. Perhaps, the heavy rainfall may just be the Earth crying for actionable changes and progressive plans.

As climate change continues to aggravate calamities, it calls for proactive resolutions that zoom in on our roles as human beings in control of natural resources. Despite the concept of “sustainability” ringing louder than ever, consumers and especially, large corporations, are yet to be held accountable. Of course, in the Philippines, when poverty and economic uncertainties impact one’s capability to attend to his daily basic needs, it no longer comes as a surprise that concerns of the environment does not come as a priority. This is a call for institutionalized change and action put forth by those in power.

The need for a stronger flood response now comes up as a strong point of discussion. With severe flooding and landslides, how can the government minimize the impact of inevitable calamities? From frail infrastructures to delayed class suspension announcements, Filipinos are repeatedly burdened with nuisances brought by negligence and poor planning. As we witness the aftermath of what seems like an overnight rain, but in reality, of long-term incompetence, it’s high time we take actions that may save millions of economic burden, hundreds of shelters, and thousands of lives.

To stay vigilant, these are hotline numbers to call in case of emergency:

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