There is nothing worse than a woman scorned and Yolanda (or Haiyan) did just that. She swept through the Philippines and unleashed her fury with a vengeance for the world to remember as one of the world’s fiercest storms. It left the Visayan region in tatters. It was described as “like Armageddon” and of “apocalyptical proportions”. We not only made the six o’clock news, we got on CNN and the world was watching. As pictures flashed on our TV screens, it was impossible not to be moved. People were not only shell-shocked but paralyzed as they battled through the deluge of emotions confronting them.
There were prayers, lots of amens and whispers of hopes. Words like “generosity” and oh, let us not forget “compassion” were spat out as if they knew what the other person was thinking or feeling. Drowning in a whirlpool of emotions, logic and reason was out and the herd mentality was in. Despite evidence to the contrary, the bandwagon effect was in full swing. Oh well, at least for some.
Times of crisis and devastation bring out the best and the worst in us. Some rose to the challenge, some grabbed the opportunity for self aggrandizement, and others went around quietly doing what they had to do minus the fuss. Fundraising events sprouted overnight. There was a lack of information being circulated. While we knew why – who, what, where and how were left unanswered. To speak was not allowed unless you were a cheerleader. Rebuff and rebuke was the fate of those who dared to question. And to offer some sensible information was simply frowned upon.
People screamed from a distance, but some could not see past their noses and the fickle finger of blame was on overdrive. President and government bashing was rampant. For some, facebook was their world. I have no qualms as to how facebook can spread the word but it got to the point where it was all too confusing and you didn’t know what to believe. There was no telling which was what; which was genuine; and relying on the accuracy of the information being churned out was frightening and dangerous. While facebook may be a good medium for reminders, it was definitely not the proper avenue for information dissemination. It was simply information overload.
But in all the chaos, there were some glaring facts.
One. The Philippines was aware of the impending storm surge and an evacuation notice had been given. But for some, there was no place to go and their only choice was to ride out the storm as they have in the past. “Storm surge” was a term they also did not understand. We’re not ready at the best of times, let alone for this kind of monstrosity. Obvious too was the lack of equipment, skills and manpower to handle such disaster in the speed for which it was required.
Two. The community is splintered. It was to each its own. From the observation deck, clearly, there was the visible social scene and the silent majority. The silent majority came out of their cozy nooks ready and willing to help but had absolutely no idea where to go or who was who in the community. The visible social scene on the other hand was on overdrive with initiatives though totally unaware that there was more to reach. And the two never met. The result was more confusion and bedlam.
Three. The lack of leadership at a time of crisis and no concentrated and coordinated efforts. Everyone was doing their thing. It was all in bits and drabs. Each one thought they were the world. And while, yes, every little bit helps, the reality was it was not even a drop in the bucket. They had no idea what Filipinos on the other side of the fence were doing. There was no Captain Kirk and no command centre.
Four. Trust was a double-edge sword. People did not know who to trust nor did they want to trust. “Aabot ba?” (Is it going to reach?) was the phrase on everyone’s lips. Even when you pointed them to the information on the Consulate’s website or personally handed them the details, they were still reluctant to deal with a Philippine government agency whether it was for cash or goods. And yet, ironically, they relied on hearsay which was far more dangerous. The “kakilala system” prevailed. Private emails floated with personal bank accounts for donations to no stated destination and no fundraising permits. Whoa! People were simply following blindly without questioning.
And lastly, the media is not the fountain of inspiration nor is it cheering squad. It is up to the leaders to motivate, inspire and lead the way. We’re here to remain detached and to inform. But evidently, we need a Pied Piper.
For those who’ve lost loved ones, our sympathies. May the Christmas spirit bring you a ray of hope to lighten your heavy hearts this season . My sincerest thanks to all our readers for whom we’ve tried to bring nothing but the honest truth along with a little chuckle every now and then. May the New Year bring us peace.
