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| Photo by Jyruz Hilbero |
On October 26, 2022, this year’s 16th tropical cyclone Paeng, developed into a tropical depression, from being identified as a low-pressure area previously. On October 27, 2022, it intensified into a tropical storm. This is following the timeline of the typhoon, according to Relief Web.
The damages and casualties left by the Severe Tropical Storm Nalgae or more domestically known as Typhoon Paeng serve the memories of Filipinos fresh as it hasn’t been a month since it struck the country, leaving casualties in numerous regions over the recent Undas break.
On the evening of October 28, Paeng developed into a severe tropical storm. On October 29, Paeng made its first landfall on Catanduanes and its second landfall on Camarines Sur. With a total of six landfalls, Paeng made four more landfalls on Buenavista in Quezon, Santa Cruz in Marinduque, Sariaya in Quezon, and in Baliuag, Bulacan. Paeng exited the country’s landmass on October 30, 2022, leaving behind numerous casualties and billions worth of damages.
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| Photo of the Catanduanes Government |
With 132 deaths confirmed and the rest yet to be verified, Paeng reportedly took the lives of 160 individuals. 64 were residents of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which was the highest regional death toll followed by Western Visayas with 37 deaths and CALABARZON with 33 deaths.
The agricultural sector has been left with damages amounting to more than 6 million pesos with more than 130,000 hectares of agricultural land damaged affecting over 146,000 farmers. The damage to infrastructure, particularly roads, bridges, and school buildings reached a total of more than 5 million pesos.
During the onslaught of the typhoon, numerous posts from the victims as well as concerned citizens were spreading over social media networks, asking for rescue and assistance. #MindanaoNeedsHelp and #PaengPh were trending nationwide on various social media platforms as netizens helped spread information on the situation in areas severely affected by Paeng. Donation drives for the victims of typhoons and contacts for emergency hotlines were also disseminated even long after the typhoon had left the country.
Many people were stranded due to the landslides brought by heavy rains. Numerous individuals in Maguindanao, particularly in the barangay of Kusiong, were buried alive by mud and boulders.
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| Photo from CNN Philippines |
Even with the existence of log bans and laws to protect the forest, deforestation is still being carried out in various parts of the country. Despite the reforestation efforts from the previous administrations, the country seems to be still suffering from the effects of deforestation.
Much has been said regarding the Filipino spirit's indomitable resilience and how it is waterproof even in the wake of massive typhoons. However, it’s high time we stop romanticizing resiliency and start pushing for environmental awareness and accountability.
We need to recognize the threats that climate change imposes on the environment. Paeng’s aftermath is enough to serve as a wake-up call. Let’s not wait for stronger storms to hit the country for us to wake up and realize our responsibilities to the environment. We can start by simply practicing recycling, conserving water, choosing more eco-friendly materials, or saving power. You may also refer to the first article of this series for more information on ways to help save the environment.
The victims of this typhoon weren’t just victims of Paeng, they were also victims of the effects of the continuous abuse of the environment. As we remember them, may we also remember our responsibilities to nature and the environment; the livelihood and the lives of Filipinos during calamities are at stake. This means that at a certain level, the choices we make for the environment are choices we also make for our fellow Filipinos.
Although we come to the conclusion of our 4-part article series on National Environmental Awareness Month, this should not be the end of our efforts in protecting and preserving the environment, especially in our country. As this series concludes, may this be the start of our awakening and further actions in response to the issues of the environment. Together, let us continue fighting for a greener future and a greener pasture.
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