THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Tuesday urged all Filipinos to prioritize disaster preparedness following the devastating flooding and landslides that have recently struck central Japan.
The recent disaster has claimed at least seven lives, with many others injured or missing as rescuers continue to search through the debris-strewn riverbanks.
“As we witness the impact of natural hazards around the world, it is crucial that we, too, prepare ourselves and our communities. We must ensure that we have emergency plans in place, sufficient supplies, and a strong awareness of the risks we face in our own country.” Civil Defense administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said.
The heavy rains that have pounded the region, recording over 540 millimeters (21 inches) in Wajima over just 72 hours, have been described as the most significant continuous rainfall in decades.
