Take heed of weather warnings

Editorial

PAPUA New Guineans have a tendency of ignoring weather warnings.
The weather office this week sounded forewarnings of possible floods and thunderstorms, stronger southeast trade winds, hailstorms and drought.
The country is now experiencing wet weather that will continue until April next year.
Areas that are experiencing less than average rainfall at the moment are at the risk of having water shortages and water borne diseases when the dry season falls in April.
That means people should take care during the current rainy weather that is being experienced in most parts of the country.
Police are warning people travelling on the north and south coasts of Morobe to be on alert as it was the time of the year opportunists were looking for ways to get money for festive celebrations.
There are possibilities of sea piracy and other criminal activities along the province’s coastlines.
There were reports of armed holdups along the highway.
We all know that response to disaster in the country over the years has not been up to what was expected but with the support of concerned stakeholders.
With warnings on strong winds sweeping across our seas, seafarers should be cautious with their travels.
Most times, people along the coast don’t take heed of weather warnings and venture out during windy conditions thinking they are seafarers and know how to sail through it all.
It is those who live along the coast that want to try their skills against mother nature and sometimes end up as statistics.
For some, years of practice and experience in sea travel puts them in good stead as it is the only means of travelling from one point to another.
They have watched their grandfathers and village elders do it so many times that it becomes a necessary means of survival. And we should warn that banana boats are no fun at all when the wind picks up, and the wind can pick up with little warning.
It is common knowledge that the National Disaster and Emergency Office is hamstrung by a lack of logistical support and this hampers its capacity to provide relief and accident and emergency services to affected areas.
Natural disasters are inevitable – whether it is massive flooding, volcanic eruptions or earthquakes.
And so advanced preparation is the key to overcoming natural disasters that has been predicted.
In the past, it has always been a reactive response – everyone reacts and responds after a disaster has struck.
While natural disasters are unpredicted, in essence, it is more cost-effective to be prepared than deal with damage, deaths and rebuilding.
People should be alert to take appropriate action to overcome any situation quickly.
And so with the weather warnings out, disaster officers should prepare beforehand in order to tackle hardships when disaster strikes.
They should be prepared before disaster strikes, during and after any disaster.
They should be reinforcing the warning to seafarers to be vigilant when using the sea; those on lower grounds next to rivers should be watching the water level, those on the coastline must make sure roofing’s are secured and extra food.
Disasters not only cost lives, they have a severe socio-economic impact on the country.