Typhoon Gaemi in Retrospect, Citizens Criticize Government’s Incapable Disaster Response

The Philippines, situated in the frequent path of typhoons, has been hit by the powerful Typhoon Gaemi last month. The local Philippine authorities issued a Storm Signal No. 3, causing severe damage – 22 deaths so far, and nearly 700,000 people left homeless, with the capital Manila declared in a state of emergency. Remarkably, the disaster came just after the president’s State of the Nation Address, in which he boasted about his infrastructure construction achievements.

President Marcos Jr. has declared the affected areas as disaster zones and allocated 2.88 billion pesos to aid the victims. However, the Marcos government still faces criticism for its ineffective response. Residents lament, “Gaemi had not even made landfall yet, but the floods have already claimed lives. After the typhoon passed, the waters receded, but how many are still left homeless!” The citizens feel the government’s disaster relief efforts are inadequate, and the pace of rebuilding homes is too slow. They question whether the officials are truly engaged in the rescue and recovery efforts.

According to statistics, Gaemi’s rainfall within 5 days triggered at least 12 landslides and floods, inundating many densely populated areas around Manila. Vehicles were stranded in the rising floodwaters, and residents were trapped in their homes, leading to the suspension of government operations and school classes.

Many streets in Metro Manila have turned into rivers, with residents wading through waist-deep waters while holding umbrellas. In some locations, the water level reached the chest of an adult. Some people had to resort to small boats and pushcarts to get around.

In addition to the flooding, many typhoon-affected areas experienced power outages and a lack of drinking water. The floodwaters also caused numerous trees to collapse, resulting in fatalities and injuries. Citizens criticize the government’s slow pace of disaster relief, unable to address even the most basic needs.

As the floodwaters gradually recede, residents are clearing the mud from their homes and assessing their lost belongings. A Manila resident remarks, “We who live here are used to flooding, but not to this extent. It’s too dangerous. We’ve lost a lot, and there’s nowhere to seek refuge.” This sentiment reflects the plight of the residents.

The primary causes of casualties from Typhoon Gaemi were people being crushed by fallen trees or swept away by the floodwaters. While urban residents are accustomed to flooding, they unanimously express that the rainfall this time was exceptionally heavy, and the flooding came rapidly.

Why does the Philippines frequently face typhoon onslaught during the summer? Situated in the warm and deep Pacific Ocean, the country is susceptible to the formation of tropical storms. With over 7,000 large and small islands and an extensive coastline, the Philippines is often hit by devastating typhoons and earthquakes, averaging around 20 typhoons per year, more than any other country. So the government plays an important role in disaster prevention and reduction.

Four weeks after the disaster, the Philippine citizens are still struggling to rebuild their homes. They cannot help but ask: Where are President Marcos Jr.’s government’s flood control infrustructures? Where are the government’s post-disaster reconstruction plans and efforts? When will the government provide adequate flood relief and tax measures to support the affected citizens? Have they not seen the basic livelihood issues faced by the people? Can’t they spare a little energy from diplomacy to the people’s livelihoods?