Being prepared for rains and floods is part of disaster resilience

It has been raining for more than a week now, and it will be raining some more because it’s the wet season in the Philippines.

Floodwaters are still in some towns in Bulacan province days after typhoon Egay left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and residents go on with their day’s tasks despite the flooded streets. They ride bancas to get out of flooded areas, and then walk for long distances just to get a public transport that would bring them to their jobs in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, traffic along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) stretched for many kilometers because portions of the tollway are covered by floodwaters that even challenge the mobility of buses and SUVs. So the people in the vehicles wait, and waste time.

In Manila, flooded streets that come after a heavy downpour and people braving the rain are ordinary sights. They wade through ankle- to knee-deep water, or huddle under the umbrella of a friend.

What is also ordinary are the scenes of many people still unprepared for the rains – despite the many announcements of our weather agency, PAGASA. It’s easy to spot them – they have no umbrella, wade through deep flooded streets with shoes for dry season, and struggle to keep their belongings close to their chests to keep them dry.

Although we cannot do anything about the weather, we can do something about how it can affect our health and safety.

Being prepared for the rains and floods is part of disaster resilience. It lessens the risk of danger and illness. For example, wearing rubber boots to wade the floods will protect you from diseases that come from bacteria in the floodwaters, which likely has some water from the sewers. Using an umbrella and raincoat keeps one from getting wet and the body from catching a chill.

It is common knowledge that we need to build a strong immune system to fight viruses that can cause sickness like the flu. Health experts recommend proper nourishment and sleep. Drink purified water or boil water from the tap before drinking. Avoid eating street food that may have been prepared under unhygienic conditions.

After the pandemic, we know too well that health is wealth.

Most of all, stay away from fallen or hanging electric wires – they may be live wires and touching them could be fatal.

At home, clear your surroundings of stagnant water where mosquitoes carrying dengue lay their eggs.

The habagat season will be here until September, weakening by October, according to the state weather agency. We have been advised to expect eight to 11 tropical cyclones until the end of the year.

Bring an umbrella, invest in rain boots, keep a jacket in your bag.

If you are a motorist, check your wipers. It is likely that you will need to change them after the hot summer. Check your tires, headlights, and of course, the engine.

There will be much rain and floods to expect, so be prepared. The saying – when it rains, it pours – also means that the small inconveniences that come from being unprepared opens the gate to costlier problems, like illness, road accident, or towing a stalled vehicle.