Typhoon Kristine left a painful mark on Catanduanes, with five lives lost and severe damage across infrastructure, crops, and communities. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that while zero-casualty goals are vital, they require rigorous enforcement and community involvement at every level — from barangays to the provincial government.
Strict compliance with force evacuation policies, especially in high-risk areas, is essential. The lives lost are a call to action for officials and citizens alike to prioritize safety over complacency. The protocols are in place; however, they must be followed with commitment and cooperation to protect everyone.
The need for disaster preparedness goes beyond policy—it must become a culture. Residents must be informed, trained, and constantly reminded of evacuation protocols and safe zones. Awareness campaigns that reach every barangay, along with frequent disaster response drills, could save lives in future typhoons.
The declaration of a state of calamity brings not only aid but also the urgency to review policies and fortify infrastructure. From reinforced evacuation centers to updated warning systems, proactive measures must be in place to minimize the impact of similar events in the future.
To achieve zero casualties in future disasters, strict adherence to protocols and a united effort across local governments and communities are imperative. As Catanduanes rebuilds, let this be a turning point to strengthen resilience and prioritize lives, ensuring that such a tragedy need not happen again.
**********
