Richmond - The Editor, Last week, the central Philippines, particularly the Visayas region, took the brunt of the destruction wrought by Typhoon Haiyan, which according to meterological authorities was classified as the strongest typhoon in history.
Richmond - The Editor, Last week, the central Philippines, particularly the Visayas region, took the brunt of the destruction wrought by Typhoon Haiyan, which according to meterological authorities was classified as the strongest typhoon in history.This monster typhoon was packed with sustained winds of 195 miles per hour and gusts up to 235 miles per hour when it came ashore, bringing 15-foot storm surges in its path.In fact, it was three times the strength of Hurricane Katrina. The aftermath was staggering: 7 million people were affected, 600,000 have been made homeless and the death toll is put at 2,600 people and still counting.Early estimates of the economic cost are about $15 billion. As I watched the horrifying accounts of this deadly deluge from daily TV broadcast, I can't help but be saddened by the impact of this tragedy of great proportion.The Philippines is my native country and I would like to echo and share several points for the readers to ponder. First, the widespread destruction to properties and the loss of thousands of lives in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan has proven again the old adage that nothing is mightier than the power of nature. Industrialized and developed countries have no technology to stop the onslaught of earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and cyclones.Developing countries with limited resources could not even accurately forecast the coming of these apocalyptic cyclones, more so, they're weak to defend themselves from the destructive force of these natural disasters.Second, the best and the worst of things always emerge in the face of adversity. Physical, emotional, moral and spiritual endurance are always being tested to the limit especially in the time of tragedy.Organized looting by armed groups was reported by the media. Prison riots, attempted jailbreak and unconfirmed reports of rape by criminal elements happened in the affected cities.Blaming, finger-pointing and namecalling were the norm in the country over the slow pace of relief goods distribution.Political gimmickry such as politicians posturing as aid donors with their names boldly printed on each food ration packet definitely irked many of us.These actions, notably to take advantage of the situation, are detestable and should be condemned in every possible way.At the same time, a commendation should be accorded to so many countries, international humanitarian organizations, volunteers and emergency agencies who have sent money, food and resources in order to alleviate the sufferings of those countless victims.The people of the Philippines will remember forever with gratitude the generosity and kind disposition you have shown and afforded to us in the time when we need it most.Lost lives cannot be replaced, but your support to survivors can help them pick up the pieces and rebuild their shattered hope.Joe B. LaranoRichmond
