Lopez took national media by storm, not because of typhoon Amang, but because of the condition of the environment particularly the denudation of its forests and mountains. Mud glided from the mountains, according to the information given by the local government officials.
Preparation for typhoons do not begin when there is an advisory of a Low Pressure Area (LPA) or a coming typhoon a week or a few days before its landfall. Preparation begins when the weather is sunny so an assessment of the environment can be done to institute the necessary precautions, long before an emergency.
Research and environmental assessment are basic in making a comprehensive plan to avoid the fatal and undesirable effects of flooding. To say that it has been a perennial problem for the municipality because of its low elevation is not acceptable. Thinking intelligently for solutions is a gift given to humans. We have brains to improve our living conditions. Why then, do we not use it to avoid casualties?
Leaders are expected to lead, which includes dealing with typhoons or even just heavy rains. We must not deal with the volume of rainfall to be an authority for it. Just be a community leader by making sure that your jurisdiction is not a bald mountain or denuded forests, that it does not tolerate illegal logging, that landslides would not be possible, and if flooding happens, it will be manageable. Three-year-term may not solve big environmental problems and environmental concerns must be the primary concern of every government official who is vested with the power to lead and the resources to spend.
Review the development plan and see how much is allocated to find real solutions to the problems of flooding. If we spend so much on beauty contests and festivals, we can spend more for the safety of our communities. Not for relief goods to typhoon victims but to get to the root of the problem and solving it. Never neglect what is essential.