Wearing-down of resilience amidst continuous disasters: Persistently hit by storms and left compassion-drained
In a span of ten days last November, the Philippines was hit by an unprecedented four typhoons, causing widespread destruction and loss. Among the hardest hit areas was the Bicol region, known for its high exposure to disasters, particularly typhoons.
Local doctor Pura Jacobe Gaddi played a significant role in the disaster response, mobilizing a 200-strong team of volunteers to aid the affected population. Gaddi, who treated over 200 patients a day after Typhoon Trami, emphasized the importance of having a timeline for volunteer efforts to ensure effective and efficient disaster response.
The national government's response efforts received the lowest opinion from Bicol residents, highlighting the need for improved disaster management strategies. Volunteers often provide immediate help in the aftermath of disasters, but their goal is not to replace local government services.
The Department of Health is monitoring burnout among the population, recognizing the mental strain that repeated disasters can cause. To address this, psychological first aid programs have been established by organizations such as the Philippine Red Cross and international NGOs including Save the Children and Médecins Sans Frontières. Jason Bonaga, a water search and rescue volunteer, emphasized the need for such programs to reduce compassion fatigue and burnout symptoms among rescuers.
Despite the frequent disasters, the high rate of exposure contributes to the high scores in disaster preparedness in Southeast Asia. About 67% of adults in the region say they could protect themselves and their families from a future disaster, and 62% of adults surveyed live in households where everyone knows how to respond in an emergency.
The archipelago was hit by 14 typhoons last year, making it the world's most disaster-hit region from weather, climate, and water-related hazards in 2023. The Philippines, with its geographical location and climate, is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, including typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
However, it's not just the lack of disaster preparedness that poses a problem. Daily wage earners might not prioritize emergency supplies due to the mundane demands of day-to-day life. This underscores the need for continued efforts in raising awareness about the importance of disaster preparedness and the consequences of neglecting it.
Government auditors report that local disaster funds often go unspent, according to a 2023 report by anti-poverty NGO Oxfam. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of disaster response efforts and the need for more accountable and efficient use of resources.
Despite these challenges, the resilience of the Filipino people shines through in their efforts to prepare for and respond to disasters. People in Southeast Asia feel more prepared for disasters than anywhere else, according to the World Risk Poll 2024. This story was published with permission from Thomson Reuters Foundation.
