10 Most Destructive Typhoons in 2011

It is officially rainy season in the Philippines. Everyday, rains brought by monsoon winds hampering different provinces, including Metro Manila. There are already reported deaths, even if without typhoon.

Flooding usually accompanies heavy rains. Sometimes flooding occurs even if rains are not heavy, but continuous. Although a detailed mapping of flood-prone areas in the Philippines has yet to be accomplished, people within some communities need not to be told about the vulnerability of their places for flooding because of their previous experiences.

Not all floods are alike. Some floods develop slowly, or over a period of days. Destructive floods may also occur outside a defined river stream, such as when dikes break. Flash floods are caused by very hard rainfall over a limited area and effects can be insurmountable if debris like rocks, mud, and fallen trees drawn to the lower streams will obstruct or choke river channels or tributaries.

In 2011, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that there are about 19 typhoons which entered the Philippines, and 10 of them are destructive and killed more than 1,500 residents.

2011 Ten Most Destructive Typhoons. Click to enlarge.

What To Do Before, During and After Typhoons?

1. Monitor the situation through whichever available medium to you (TV, radio, internet)

2. If living near a body of water, go to the nearest evacuation center or relatives.

3. Be aware of electrical accidents that may occur during flooding. Turn-off the main switch at home.

4. Note the location of the hospital near you just in case accident happens. During typhoons, hospitals are also in alert. Aside from first aides, they make sure there’s enough medical gas cylinder sizes and refillable co2 cartridges.

Did Filipinos learned their lessons?

After Typhoon Ondoy shocked the residents in Metro Manila, most Filipinos are now very cautious and regularly prepare for the upcoming typhoons. BUT, many are remain negligent and some local or national officials ignore warnings and suggested evacuations on landslide-prone areas because either they might loose voters or due to business interest. Greed.