A Decade After Yolanda Devastation, Some Tacloban Residents Still Live in ‘Danger Zones’

Yolanda Caused Thousands of Deaths, Severe Devastation

The authorities must make a swift move in transferring the Tacloban residents who are still living in danger zones a decade after Typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines.

The Philippines is one of the countries usually visited by typhoons. In the past, there were several instances when a typhoon caused both deaths and devastation that left a lot of Filipino families homeless and others grieving for the loss of their loved ones.

Yolanda Devastation
Photo Credit: Philippine Star

In the history of PH, one of the most unforgettable typhoon tragedies was when Yolanda hit several parts of Tacloban in 2013. The natural calamity that caused deep flooding swamped up even evacuation centers in Leyte and Samar that were thought to be safe.

Around 6,300 people were left dead by Typhoon Yolanda. Unfortunately, there are still missing individuals. More than four (4) million people were left homeless by the natural disaster.

However, a decade after the tragic Yolanda devastation, there are still some residents in Tacloban who are residing in areas considered as “danger zones”. There were residents who were already relocated to safe areas but there are still those who are still living near coastal communities.

The safety of the people must be the top priority of a government — both local and national. Thus, I believe that the efforts to transfer the Tacloban residents in safe areas must be delivered swiftly by the authorities who have the capacity and the power to do so. Let us not wait for another strong typhoon before acting on a clear problem now.

Yes, the people who are living near the coastal areas also have the responsibility to move in safer areas. However, sadly, there are families who can hardly put food on the table thus coming up with a new shelter is not their top priority. This is where the government can greatly help its people — in the most challenging times like this.

Meanwhile, while I am calling for the immediate action on some Tacloban residents whose lives are still at risk for living in danger zones, I salute the government for transferring a lot of residents to safer spaces. The authorities really did a good job for doing the life-saving move for the people.

Disclaimer: The content of the article posted above is an opinion of the writer. Also, the citations provided are based on the information deemed as facts by the different legit sources that contribute to the basis of the making of the whole viewpoint. The writer does not, in any form, intend to create inaccurate understanding of the topic or influence the readers instead, express one’s viewpoint in a formal manner.

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