At least they’re fleeing low-lying areas. I checked the wind velocity on this, 120 mph. Definitely unpleasant and damaging, especially with sustained winds for possibly hours and those winds reversing direction as it passes, but I just don’t see it as being so monstrous that the typically huge death tolls make sense. 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.
We lived in Manila for 5 years in two era’s. I think they get something like 10 or more typhoons that hit the islands somewhere every year. We had several in Manila while we were there, but nothing this bad. Most of the rural housing just isn’t up to the job of fighting these winds.
... 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...
