Typhoon Odette led to Extreme Difficulties Especially to the Nation’s Poorest

The Philippines undergoes several typhoons a year, but recently, storms - including Odette - have become more unpredictable, leaving the nation’s poorest vulnerable. In difficult situations like these, it is essential to see and consider the victim's point of view, be aware of what’s happening, and plan for the future to preclude future victims.

The chair of the Philippine Red Cross, Richard Gordon, announced that many affected areas lost access to power, communications and clean water.

“The house was destroyed; [Odette] broke everything,” said Tumanda, one of the victims of the typhoon.

“We need food, especially rice and water,” said Giselle Toledo, another victim whose house was swept away by Odette’s floodwaters.

IFRC Head of Philippine Delegation Alberto Bocanegra said, “It is extremely concerning that people and children have been getting very sick and even dying in areas smashed by this typhoon, which has left millions without access to clean drinking water, hospitals, and health facilities.”

Mila Glora, one of the survivors of the typhoon, faces another challenge as her youngest child, 5-year-old Josie Mae, lies sick with diarrhea after drinking unsafe water after Typhoon Odette. “She’s had diarrhea since yesterday [December 29] and has been feeling weak,” Glora explains.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drinking contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, hepatitis, etc. Inadequate or badly-managed water and sanitation services lead individuals to preventable health risks.

As society is composed of individuals, collaborating and helping one another is essential to ease the situation. Considering that governments and several organizations have walked through the situation together, it is no doubt that collective efforts and approaches made by the governments and several organizations saved thousands of lives.

This writeup was published in collaboration with Brtish School Manila's student publication, Winston, for their inter-school Typhoon Odette Coverage: Compassion in Crisis.