NEW THREAT FROM "PABLO!"

Latest reports in inquirer.net say Typhoon “Pablo” now threatens the Ilocos and La Union provinces, with signal no. 2 up in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union and.signal no. 1 over Cagayan, Calayan group of islands, Babuyan group of islands, Batanes group of islands, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Benguet, Pangasinan, and Zambales.

With almost 500 people killed and more than 200,000 injured or rendered homeless by “Pablo” in Mindanao (and the tally continues to rise), and estimated rainfall of 15 to 25 millimeters per hour (heavy – intense) within its 400 km diameter, allow me to re-post some excerpts from an earlier blog on what to find out from your local government units on how safe and prepared is your area:

How many anti-flood or flood control projects are there, if any? What kind and how reliable are these? Who certified these as reliable? How many transport vehicles, lifeboats or life rafts and other related implements are there to help save stranded or drowning residents victims and bring them to safety? Is it enough for the population? Is there enough rescue and disaster relief personnel?

If there are more negative than positive answers to these questions, demand for an explanation, and a breakdown of WHERE IS THE MONEY for disasters or calamities?

If your local officials will say the money’s all gone, DEMAND FOR A BREAKDOWN. It’s your right. The money came from YOUR TAXES.

KUNG WALANG MAIBIGAY NA BREAKDOWN, kahit na partial samantalang LAHAT NG GASTUSIN sa gobyerno, lokal man o nasyonal, ay DAPAT MAY PAPELES, MAGINGAY AGAD KAYO SA MEDIA.

By safe, I mean: Have all evacuation centers been identified to the residents? Are these enough? More importantly, HOW MUCH FOODSTUFFS ARE ON RESERVE and ready for IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION?  

Related to these, how much medicines and medical supplies are on standby? And are there enough hospitals and/or clinics for emergency treatment in case the number of victims SOAR BEYOND EXPECTATIONS? Are there enough doctors and nurses, or TRAINED MEDICAL AIDES?

Again, if there are more negative than positive answers to these questions, DEMAND FOR DETAILED EXPLANATIONS, especially on where is the budget for disaster relief.

To our friends in the areas now threatened by “Pablo,” start asking these questions NOW. Don’t wait for the devastation in Mindanao to happen in your towns or cities first before you demand for answers. 3-