I am living in the Philippines, a country located in Southeast Asia. And typhoons can hit the Philippines any time of the year.

I can't count if how many typhoons have entered the country. Some typhoons were not too strong, but some were destructive, leaving hundreds of thousands of casualties. As I've said at any time of the year, typhoons can enter the Philippine area of responsibility, that's why people must be prepared and well informed. With the help of the PAGASA or Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, typhoons, or tropical cyclones are monitored and they issue warnings if the said tropical cyclones have landed or entered the Philippines area of responsibility also called PAR. They also give local names alphabetically for the tropical depressions that entered the country.

Just this October 23, 2020 (Friday), a low-pressure area developed into a tropical depression and was named Quinta.

Last Monday night, I posted a short post about an update on the situation of the water level of the river here in our locality. Quinta brought too many heavy rains and have destroyed a lot of houses and took the lives of some people especially in Eastern Visayas.

Despite we're located in Western Visayas, my beloved municipality didn't escape the strong winds and heavy rains brought by Quinta.

October 26, 2020, Monday

It was a rainy and cold day, the rain poured heavily together with strong winds. Let me show this photo of the fallen trees because of the strong winds and heavy rains brought by this typoon.

This happened in my municipality.

The northern part of Panay Island, particularly the First District was under the storm signal no. 1. I am living in the 3rd District, which means we don't have any storm signals in our place. However, due to heavy rains, the water level in the Suage River, a river found in my municipality, went up dramatically. At first, I don't believe what other people are telling about it. They said our municipality will be flooded especially at night if the water level continues to rise.

I didn't believe it easily, I know the impact of rumors and it can cause panic to people. Nevertheless, there's a Facebook post that can attest to it. People near the river bank were panicked. My family and I just waited for further information and instructions from our government officials to avoid unnecessary actions.

It was 5 pm when they've announced that the water level rises to 5.0 meters. The bridge going to the market was nearly reached by the water. Here's the photo below.

As you can see the water level was too high and all the Pototanons were worried about the situation. Everyone prayed for the rain to stop and for the water level to subside.

Gladly our Municipal Mayor was working hard in monitoring the situation together with the other officials in the LGU (Local Government Unit).

They informed the people especially near the river not to panic. As they continued their monitoring and analyzing the situation.

We were thankful and calm when the weather became fine when the evening started. The rain stopped and we believed that God answered our prayers.

But our peacefulness was interrupted. It was 7 p.m., a loud siren of a firetruck was heard in the silence of the night. All people became more worried about the situation of the river. Then, we found out that the water level increases to 6.0 meters. Everyone was preparing for an evacuation if we were told to do.

I remained calm as much as I could and analyzed the situation, there's no need to panic, I told my family. But to be honest, I am afraid that the past may happen again. It was 2008 when typhoon Frank caused a flood in our place. So this time I prepared myself and was open to the possibility of an evacuation because of the flood. But the night became regain its silence again.

And we were very grateful that our fear of flood didn't happen.

A typhoon is a natural phenomenon that cannot be stopped. That's why we must be prepared and know things. we should do and shouldn't do in times of a Typhoon.

What to do Before, During, and After a Typhoon

Before a Typhoon

Mostly, before a tropical cyclone turns into a typhoon or tropical depression, the PAGASA will give an update about the possible days that it will enter the country, therefore we can prepare ourselves before it landed.

• First and foremost store an adequate supply of food and clean water. Prepare foods that no cooking is needed, and easy to prepare such as canned goods which are not nearly in expiration.

• Keep flashlights, candles, and battery-powered radios within easy reach. This is in case there'll be a power outbreak and a possibility of total darkness, especially at night. The radios are also important during this time, this is to always keep yourself updated with the latest weather report. So that we can be updated on the situation and will hear crucial information and instructions about the situation and the typhoon.

• Examine your house, look if there's something that needs repair, and repairs its unstable parts.

• Harvest crops if you have some that can be yielded already. This is to avoid wastage of crops and you can use it for consumption.

• Also secure your domesticated animals, such as chickens, cattle, pigs, or your pets in a safe place.

• For people living near the sea and the fisher folks, place boats in a safe area. And always think of your safety. The sea will be cruel and the waves will be at rage especially when the typhoon has entered the country.

• Always think of possibilities of evacuation, especially when the typhoon is expected to landfall in your area. Prepare your things, bring clothes, first aid kit, candles/flashlight, battery-powered radio, food, or any valuable items needed in the evacuation area.

During the Typhoon

• Stay inside the house. This is the first place where you can be safe in times of calamity.

• Of course! Always keep yourself updated with the latest weather report. Listen to the latest news from time to time to gain information about the situation.

• If your drinking water was fully consumed, and safe drinking water is not available at home, boil water for at least 20 minutes. Place it in a container with a cover.

• If there's a power interruption, always keep an eye on lighted candles or gas lamps to avoid accidents such as fires.

• Always keep yourself safe. Do not wade through floodwaters to avoid being electrocuted and contracting diseases such as leptospirosis.

If there is a need for an evacuation, you can follow these reminders.

• Don't panic and evacuate calmly.

• Before you leave your house close all the windows and turn off the main power switch.

• Put important appliances and belongings on a high surface for the possibility of a flood.

• Avoid the way leading to the river. The river will probably have higher water levels during a typhoon just like what we have experienced.

And additionally, avoid doing careless acts such as this. See Photos below.

This picture shows a young adventurous guy who jumped into the river last Monday for a foolish reason. The report says, he jumped off the river to save one pair of the slipper of his friend. Gladly he saved the slipper successfully.

This happened in my municipality, this happened hours right before the water rises to 5.0. This act should not be followed. This is a dangerous and careless act. It can cause harm or it may result in casualties. I wonder if why people didn't stop him fr saving the worthless one piece of slipper.

After the Typhoon

• Make sure that everything was fine and if your house was destroyed, make sure that it is already safe and stable when you enter.

• Beware of dangerous animals such as snakes that may have entered your house.

• Watch out for live wires or outlet immersed in water.

• Report damaged electrical cables and fallen electric posts to the authorities.

• Do not let the water in tires, cans, or pots to accumulate to avoid creating a favorable condition for mosquito breeding.

• And if there's a need for cleaning, clean up.

Yesterday fine weather greeted us here. Quinta was finally out, however, there's a potential new typhoon that will be arriving tomorrow or the next day. It will be named Rolly. Now we are preparing ourselves for this typhoon and praying that it'll not enter our country, or it is not a destructive one.

Typhoons are natural and unstoppable, however, we can do something to make ourselves safe in times of it. If there's a need for an evacuation and you are ordered to do so, there's no harm in following it. Always remember that material things can be replaced but your life cannot.

@eommaZel ✍🏻🥀