Basyang's Tragic Toll: Landslide in Cagayan de Oro Kills Four, Sparks Calls for Action
While Typhoon Basyang has weakened into a tropical depression, bringing relief to many, a somber reality lies beneath the surface. The storm has left a deep scar on Cagayan de Oro City, where a devastating landslide claimed four lives, highlighting critical gaps in disaster management and urban planning.
Widespread Impact Across Visayas and Mindanao
This tragedy is not merely a local issue. According to a report from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), the broad effects of Basyang were felt throughout Visayas and Mindanao, with over 5,000 families affected. Major flooding in Iligan City and widespread power outages in various provinces demonstrate that, despite modern weather forecasting technology held by Pagasa, the force of nature remains a significant challenge.
It is not enough to know when a typhoon will arrive; what is more crucial is our response when it is already at our doorstep.
A Serious Reminder for Local Governments
The landslide incident in CDO should serve as a serious reminder to all local governments. There are areas designated as high-risk zones or danger zones, yet why do people still reside in them? The enforcement of no-build zones must be strict and unwavering. This cannot be negotiable.
The government must seriously prohibit habitation in landslide-prone slope areas that are easily destabilized. The death of four individuals in Cagayan de Oro is a wake-up call for all of us. They were people with families, friends, and lives. Hopefully, before the next typhoon arrives, our mindset will have changed.
Moving Forward: From Loss to Preparedness
May the next time, we do not count lives lost, but rather the number of lives saved due to proper preparation, early evacuation, and a firm stance against living in dangerous areas. This incident underscores the urgent need for:
- Enhanced enforcement of existing no-build zone policies.
- Community education on the risks of residing in high-risk areas.
- Improved early warning systems and evacuation protocols.
- Government accountability in urban planning and disaster risk reduction.
As Basyang moves on, the lessons from Cagayan de Oro must not be forgotten. Strengthening resilience against natural disasters requires collective action and unwavering commitment to safety over convenience.
