Showing posts with label calamity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label calamity. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Earthquake damage and death toll in Samoa and Indonesia rise

10/02/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


More than 150 died in the powerful earthquake that rocked the South Pacific islands of Samoa. The 8.3 intensity tremblor generated a tsunami that leveled villages in the islands.

Meanwhile, the succeeding 7.6 earthquake that followed in Indonesia on Wednesday, Septtember 30, 2009 brought death and destruction to villages of Sumatra. Indonesian officials placed the death toll so far to have reached 777.

"The president ordered the military to deploy emergency response teams from Jakarta, West Sumatra and North Sumatra provinces. He said the military will provide earth-moving equipment to clear the rubble." ---AP (10/01/09, Kotarumalos, A)

The huge quake which originated from the outer coast occurred 150 miles south of Pandang, a city of about 1 million people. The scary tremblor destroyed more than a thousand buildings including worships houses, shopping malls, and homes. Most of the collapsed buildings were located in the commercial district.

The shaking was felt as far as Malaysia and Singapore. Thousands were feared to have been trapped in flattened buildings as screams were heard from the rubble. Trying to reach survivors, rescuers had been appealing for help to take care of the victims. (Photo Credit: Reuters/ Muhammed Fitrah/ Singalang Newspaper) =0=

RELATED BLOG: 8.3 quake hits Samoa Posted by mesiamd at 9/30/2009

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PostHeaderIcon 8.3 quake hits Samoa

9/30/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


A strong quake with a magnitude of 8.3 in the Richter scale hit the Samoan Islands in the Pacific triggering a tsunami of about 1.6 meters in height in Pago-Pago, American Samoa.

No reports of casualties and damage have so far been reported. A tsunami warning was raised in the southern Pacific region as a result of the quake which occurred at about 6:50 AM, local time on Tuesday, September 29, 2009. (Photo Credit: Flovic)

UPDATE: Subsequent reports revealed that at least 14 died when a tsunami surged into the islands of Tutuilla and Leone. An unspecified number was also reportedly killed in the Samoan Island. A village was quickly flattened with the generated big wave that rose to about 5 to 13 feet. Many people ran to higher ground up the mountain when the tsunami warning was raised, but was later recinded. =0=

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PostHeaderIcon As the calamity fund dries up, human suffering continues in Manila's flood

9/30/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
Typhoon Ondoy and the Manila Flood



















Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo admitted that the government is helpless in answering the needs of the victims of the massive flood brought by Typhoon Ondoy. Hundreds of hapless Filipinos drowned and thousands had to be evacuated to emergency shelters. Others had to wade through muddy streets that posed myriad dangers to their health. The president could only appeal to international donors to help the city that was 80%submerged at the height of heavy rains.

Congestion of about 10 million people in an urban setting, squatting, inadequate sewer drainage, clogged waterways, silted rivers, and lack of disaster preparedness were among the factors that aggravated the misery of the people. The clean-up and rehabilitation could be staggering.

The pictures here have been among the most harrowing I’ve seen in the internet and in the email. They remind us of the horrors of Hurricane Katrina that devastated Louisiana. (Photo Credit: Phils 600; anonymous; AFP/ Getty/ Jay Directo/ the globeandmail.com; Ray Bruna/ Reuters; YahooNews)

"Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez says the government has set aside P2 billion to cover for natural catastrophes, but the money spent so far in 2009 is already more than P20 billion. The entire budget has been spent in the first three months of the year."---UP Ibalon Bicol (09/11/09, mesiamd)

The calamity fund for the nation was reported to have been depleted as soon as the typhoon season started. No one on the top leadership thought this was an urgent priority. Our national leaders as usual, had been distracted by politics----the slow prosecution of the Dacer-Corbito murder case involving warring national political figures and the fielding of candidates for the May 2010 election. =0=

RELATED BLOG: Severe shortage of calamity fund in RP Posted by mesiamd at 9/11/2009


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PostHeaderIcon Severe shortage of calamity fund in RP

9/11/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Just as the overspending of Pres. Gloria Arroyo on non-essential trips abroad recedes from the headlines, the reports of suffering from typhoons, ship wrecks, floods, and other natural disasters escape the attention of public servants.

Known for natural calamities, the country needs adequate allotment for disaster preparedness. Money to be used in emergencies must be a priority. But in the Philippines, the national disaster fund is only P2 billion pesos--- a meager 10% of the expected annual expenses (P20 billion) for misfortunes. With severe lack of budget, the people can barely cope during storms, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and volcanic eruptions.

Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez says the government has set aside P2 billion to cover for natural catastrophes, but the money spent so far in 2009 is already more than P20 billion. The entire budget has been spent in the first three months of the year.

This week, the sinking of three ships namely Super Ferry 9, MV Hera and MB Minham hasn’t elicited enough action except for grounding of the sea vessels and a knee-jerk reaction to quickly bury the dead, rescue survivors and bring them home. More is expected from government agencies to tackle the problems related to the disaster. The chance that anyting substatial to improve maritime travel and safety is slim.

The flaws in disaster planning are ignored by government officials who are now focused with the coming presidential election. Countless citizens are left on their own without help from social services when calamities strike. Perennial deficiencies and apathy still dominate the entire nation. (Photo Credit: Jeasm) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Strong quake kills at least 32 people in Indonesia

9/02/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


A quake of 7 in the Richter scale rocked the Indonesian island of Java causing deaths to at least 32 people and injuring undetermined number of people. Most deaths and injuries were caused by collapsed houses and fallen buildings destroyed by the strong tremblor which occurred at daytime 3 P.M (4 AM E.T.) on September 2, 2009.

In the mountainous city of Tasikmalaya,in West Java, panicked people ran into the streets as many damaged houses and buildings fell. Shaking buildings and interrupting power lines, the earthquake was felt in the capital city of Jakarta where people scampered into the streets and mass evacuation in the business district was undertaken.

According to the US Geological Survey, the epicenter of the quake was about 190 kilometers offshore southeast of Jakarta, about 50 km deep. No tsunami was reported. Reuters/ Pikiran Rakyat Daily) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon California wildfires burn 21 homes and threaten 12,000 more

9/01/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




The wildfire in the Angeles National Forest has raged for days and grown more than twice its original size burning at least 21 homes in the foothills and endangering 12,000 more.

Firefighters are battling the huge blaze which darkens the sky in the last 6 days, destroying 164 square miles of trees and vegetation. Using fire retardants and water, they try to protect Mount Wilson on whose slopes several edifices rest.

Defying evacuation orders, three people sustained significant burns. Five people have called for help near Gold Creek, Los Angeles, but rescuers find it hard to reach them.

On Monday, August 31, 2009, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in the counties of Monterey, Placer, Los Angeles, and Mariposa. The conflagration of about 20 miles fed on brush and inched through the terrain to threaten communication lines and an astronomy observatory in Mount Wilson.

Close to 7,000 homes were given evacuation orders as the wall of fire raged. Two of the 2,500 firefighters who battled the blaze were killed in line of their duty. (Photo Credi: Justin Sullivan/ Getty Images; Jason Redmond/ AP) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Typhoon Emong’s death toll of 43, a drop in OFW employment and a rise in H1N1 flu

5/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


30%

Is the percentage drop in employment of land-based overseas foreign workers (OFW) last year observed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) compared to the previous 2007. This translates to only 216,803 newly hired workers in 2008 compared to 306,383 in 2007. Affected by the global economic crunch, the decrease in hiring of workers are noted in the leading countries that employ Filipinos.

"Saudi Arabia, the top destination, only had 76,148 new hires compared to 96,890 in 2007. Other markets in the Top 10 were Qatar, with 25,186 new hires (-13.3 percent); Taiwan, with 17,204 (-39.5 percent); Kuwait, with 10,107 (-38.7 percent); Hong Kong, with 8,333 (-62.6 percent), Canada, with 4,849 (-41.6 percent), Bahrain, with 2,882 (-30.9 percent), Italy with 2,288 (-56.4 percent) and Singapore with 2,276 (-38.2 percent)."---Inquirer (05/10/09, Aning, J)

P20 million

Is the estimated loss in a paper factory fire which occurred in the early morning of May 12, 2009 in Valenzuela, Metromanila. The origin of the fire was believed to come from highly combustible chemicals according to firefighters. Two people were injured as a result of the blaze.

4,694

As of May 11, 2009, this is the number of people infected by the H1N1 flu officially recorded by the World Health Organization (WHO.) It is believed that this number is lower than the actual people infected. There are now 30 countries reporting the swine flu.

84

The number of ferry passengers on board ML Ric-Ric were stranded for 12 hours at sea near Tubbataha reef in Palawan after the boat experienced engine breakdown. From t Puerto Princesa City on its way to Cagayancillo, the ferry sent distress signals which was caught by an Indonesian-bound vessel before rescue came along.



92

Under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), 92 nurses together with 188 caregivers left last Sunday, May 10, 2009 from the Philippines to Japan to work. The standard salary of nurses in Japan is between 350,000 to 420,000 yen per month, but the Filipinos will only be paid about half--- between 150,000 and 180,000 yen per month according to Labor Assistant Secretary Reydeluz Conferido.

Unless the nurses pass the licensure exam of the host country, the nurses are allowed only 3 years to work. They will start with retraining for 6 months and they have to learn Jaapanese before they can assume responsibilities on the job. Such adjustments remind the Philippines of the need to make jobs for its people so that they’ll not be forced to travel in faraway places in search for employment.

P781.7 million

The estimated damage caused by Typhoon Emong on agriculture crups, homes and infrastructures in the Philippines. The storm left a total of 43 dead and 13 missing from heavy rains, floods and landslides. The National Disaster Coordinating Committee (NDCC) said 34,626 families or 161,020 persons were affected by last week’s tropical cyclone which immediately followed “Dante”. There were 822 families or 4,142 persons stranded in evacuation centers as a result of the calamity. (Photo Credit:Jensm; Reinar) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon 235,887 Sorsogon residents displaced by Typhoon Dante

5/05/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Sorsogon in Bicol was hit by the recent Typhoon Dante which left 26 people dead, 20 of them residents of Sorsogon City. The vicious storm caused the displacement of 43,215 families numbering about 235,887 people living in 220 villlages.

According the National Disaster Coordinating council (NDCC,) 174 evacuation centers were set up. Heavy rain, flood and strong wind destroyed homes and agricultural crops amounting to about P200 million. Sorsogon City, located in the southern part of Luzon, declared a state of calamity. Landslides resulted to the deaths of about a dozen people with others still missing. (Photo Credit: Kevulike)=0=

RELATED BLOG: "Tropical depression ”Dante” brings death and destruction to Bicol Posted by mesiamd at 5/03/2009"


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PostHeaderIcon Imminent eruption of Alaska’s Mount Redoubt reminds us of Mayon and Pinatubo

1/30/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The snow-capped Mt. Redoubt in Anchorage, Alaska is showing signs of restiveness that makes eruption probable. Residents living close to the 10,200 foot volcano are on alert as they set aside gears and provisions for the imminent volcanic eruption. Having seen showers of ash and pyroclastic debris in the past, the people there prepare masks and goggles, the first line of defense to protect their eyesight and breathing.

This isn’t unfamiliar to our kababayans in Bicol where Mt. Mayon displays periodic volcanic activity which forces the evacuation of villagers from its slope and gulleys. The PhilVolcs and government officials coordinate with the community to avoid loss of life and property during such emergency.

Farther north in Luzon Island of the Philippines is Mt. Pinatubo also blows its top with tons of lava and subterranean debris shooting up in the air. Ash deposits and later lahar destroy towns along its path.

In June 1991, the Mount Pinatubo brought hardship and misery in the neighboring provinces of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga. The eruption forced indigenous tribesmen, the Aetas, to scamper from their mountain dwellings as volcanic debris rolled and covered lowland settlements, reaching as far as the environs of Manila. Pinatubo’s gigantic eruption destroyed crops and agriculture land, countless homes and villages making it one of the biggest eruptions in memory. (Photo Credits: Blastard; DiffusedPixel; US Geological Survey PD) =0=

Mount Mayon and Mount Pinatubo




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PostHeaderIcon Wicked Weather Count: 2,500 stranded in Bicol, 50 homes destroyed in Cebu, 16,000+ flood evacuees in Agusan del Sur

1/15/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Barely 3 days after reports of floods in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, and Northern Samar left a trail of death and inundation, about 2,500 passengers were reported stranded in Bicol, mostly in Matnog, Sorsogon. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) temporarily interrupted the people's sea travel due to dangerous weather conditions sweeping the country.

In Cebu, huge waves and ensuing floods destroyed at least 50 homes in coastal villages. Mayor of Ginatilan town Dean Michael Singco said people in these places were forced to move to safer grounds. They were transiently housed in schools and public buildings, before dawn on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 to avoid injuries and loss of life.

In Davao de Norte, 9 fishermen were rescued in rough seas after their nine unregistered boats ventured to open waters. Similar wicked weather caused flooding in Agusan del Sur when Agusan river rose, forcing about 16,267 people from 2,546 families to evacuate in temporary shelters. The towns of San Francisco, Prosperidad, La Paz, Veruela, Bunawan and Esperanza.---GMATvNews (01/15/09, Pantaleon, A)

A motorboat bringing passengers close to Bantique, Panay in the Visayas Islands sank killing Sylvia Cerezo, 63. Five other passengers namely, Godofredo Roxas, Rowell Baaquilar, Nida Baquilar, Jocelyn Baquilar and Margarita Dizon were plucked out from sea and led to safety. The small boat had Butacal and Pontevedra, Capiz as its usual passenger route.

The spate of wicked weather and calamities remind us of the importance of disaster preparedness in the community. People need to be pro-active in helping themselves for the government assistance is too limited. Needing our commonsense decision, we can’t completely rely on others concerning safety during travel particularly when the weather isn’t good. (Photo Credits Gahenty; Lino Almueda) =0=



RELATED BLOGS: "Floods in Gingoog City, Northern Samar, and Misamis Oriental drive thousands to evacuate" Posted by mesiamd at 1/12/2009; "With 17, 000 islands, Indonesia shares maritime woes with the Philippines" Posted by mesiamd at 1/13/2009
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