Staring at death

During catastrophic disasters, faith helps us endure pain and the silence that follows. It empowers us to overcome our fears.

This was evident when a magnitude-6 earthquake again struck Bogo City, Cebu, early yesterday morning, shaking the spirit of the Cebuano people and the very foundations of a region still recovering from the deadly magnitude-6.9 quake that hit the same city on 30 September.

The first earthquake was catastrophic, resulting in the deaths of at least 72 people in northern Cebu, with 32 of them from Bogo. The echoes of the tremors that shook Bogo City seemed to resonate even more intensely this time, as residents once again faced fear and uncertainty.

I am crying inside because my family and I are fortunately safe for now. But I feel the pain of those who have lost loved ones. Losing someone suddenly, without any preparation, is one of the most painful experiences and a heartbreaking reminder of death. It’s like staring at death.

Cebuanos are facing both the physical aftermath of the earthquakes and the psychological impact of living in a disaster-prone region.

Throughout history, we have faced numerous geological challenges, including supertyphoons and earthquakes. The recurring nature of these disasters requires a strong and proactive approach to disaster preparedness.

I commend the swift response of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and the respective LGUs. Their immediate response, including activating emergency hotlines and issuing public safety announcements, demonstrates awareness and a basic level of preparedness. However, this response serves only as a starting point.

Recent events have shown us the crucial need for comprehensive disaster management plans that encompass more than merely reactive measures.

Local authorities must develop structured preparedness programs that include detailed emergency response plans, community drills, and educational campaigns aimed at promoting disaster resilience.

Communities need the knowledge and tools to respond effectively, transforming fear into proactive measures instead of waiting for help during crises.

We must build infrastructure resilience; buildings and roads should be designed or upgraded to withstand seismic events, following strict safety standards that take into account the region’s geological risks. We should collaborate with engineering experts and invest in modern architectural technologies to save lives and property.

This is the time for citizen involvement in preparedness activities to strengthen community resilience and build a culture of preparedness and collaboration.

When disaster strikes, communities often come together to provide immediate support. Equipping individuals with the necessary skills can ultimately save lives.

As Cebuanos continue to face the aftershocks of both physical and emotional distress, there is a collective responsibility to advocate for improved disaster preparedness initiatives.

“Keep praying,” advised the Bogo city government. While faith is vital in providing hope and strength during difficult times, taking practical steps to enhance our resilience is equally important. By combining our spiritual beliefs with actionable measures, we can strengthen our resilience through active engagement in disaster preparedness.

Cebu should change the narrative from vulnerability to strength. Only then can we assure the people of Cebu that they are supported not just by hope, but by a solid framework of safety and preparedness.