The government’s rescue and relief operations are ineffective and incompetent.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is of little help, too.
But how could have Pagasa and the Palace nincompoops missed out on NASA’s weather forecast?
The NDRRMC must have been familiar with the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), a joint project between the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
Storm Sendong (with international name Washi) strengthened when the TRMM satellite passed over December 15.
TRRM analysis of data gathered by satellite instruments showed that Sendong was already carrying “very heavy rainfall of over 50mm/hr (~2 inches).”
In comparison, Ondoy dumped 56.83 mm/hr of rainfall on Metro Manila in September 2009.
Pagasa and the NDRRMC predicted only a 10-25 mm per hour rainfall amount for Sendong.
The highest storm warning signal raised over areas affected by Sendong was only signal No. 2.
Palpak!
Sendong devastated southern Philippines Friday night and Saturday morning, causing flash floods.
Cagayan de Oro City received more rainfall in a single day than what the area gets for a month.
“For the month of December, normal rainfall for CDO is 113.2mm. The December 16, 2011 volume at 180.9mm in one day in Lumbia is greater than a whole month’s rain,” Pagasa Officer in Charge Graciano Yumul said.
Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Undersecretary Manuel Quezon 3rd said the government is reviewing the system.
Apparently, Quezon could not think of anything sensible to say except to parrot his boss!
Still, the NDRRMC insisted it properly relayed advisories to local government units, media, the military, police, and emergency response agencies in Mindanao regarding the threat posed by Sendong.
Excuses, excuses!
These people have no sense of responsibility!
The NDRRMC mobilized 22,000 soldiers for rescue and relief operations across the north coast of Mindanao, particularly Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities.
Ang kukupad nyo!
k k k
(Everyone is welcome to send your reaction/opinion on this column item to opinion@manilatimes.net)
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