[WVKayaker]

... Are the buildings there that unsound, are there no solid structures? Hillsides unstable? I’d think with all the heavily publicized hurricanes and the precautions taken that they’d be aware of what to do. It’s not as if this is a dirt poor, third world country we’re talking about.

Since Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, many of those are still living in tents. Too much of the foreign aid and charity monies were diverted from actually affecting the people's living conditions. Even those who rebuilt houses, did so with bamboo and nipa (palm leaves) because they could not afford more.

So much attention was paid to Tacloban, but the entire middle of Leyte was devastated. Tens of thousands were made homeless, without clean water, and sanitation was set back to the middle ages. Rice fields were destroyed and most of the other crops, like coconuts and bananas were destroyed, to await replanting and growing seasons. Without income, many have been without incomes, living on anything that their families and friends can share.

But, this is a land of resilience. Yes, it happens again and again, but you will still get a smile and a nod when you meet the poorest or the richest! Life continues, because the alternative isn't even considered!!!

Typical views after Yolanda...

[moose07]

Was talking to Colleague who's family live in Manila ,about this just before your post landed (WVK).
He described everything exactly as you've posted.

[RegulatorCountry]

As bad as that looks, it’s better than Pass Christian after Katrina.

[glock rocks]

These people deserve our prayers at a minimum.

[Paul R.]

I, too, can confirm your post: I have relatives (through my wife) in the area slammed by Yolanda. Hagupit appears to not have that sort of incredible intensity, or a monster storm surge, but much of the construction throughout the Philippines IS poor. Flooding and mudslides are quite likely, especially as this storm slowed down a lot as it began to cross the archipelago.

Truth be told, the Philippines IS a poor, 3rd world country. Gov’t corruption at all levels has damaged it badly over the years.

BTW, great link / storm coverage / discussion here:

http://www.storm2k.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?f=76&t=116977&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=780