Country ill-prepared for disasters

The Philippines is not alien to natural disasters. It is hit by at least 20 storms annually and is located at the Pacific Ring of Fire. In fact, it has withstood countless deadly calamities—from storms to earthquakes to volcanic eruptions—and its citizens live as if calamities were normal occurrences.

Indeed, no one knows when or when a calamity will strike. However, despite the many disasters and calamities that befell the Philippines, the country is still ill-equipped in terms of disaster preparedness and risk reduction plan, according to GMA Weather resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz.