What to Do After the Typhoon

Dec. 15, 2015 by OC Team

This article is a continuation of our article, What to Do During a Typhoon.



After the typhoon has passed, do keep monitoring through the radio. Call up friends and family to make sure they are alright. However, if the typhoon is extremely strong, most likely there will be no electricity, no running water, no internet connection and no phone lines for a few days. Yes, it is that devastating.



Typhoon Haiyan at peak intensity and approaching the Philippines on November 7, 2013. Source: WIkipedia



If your house was severely damaged during the storm, make sure you seek the help of authorities to assess your house’s structural condition. If you believe that it is in danger of falling apart, then call help and have it repaired immediately. Stay in another place while reconstructions and repairs are made. Avoid scattered debris which may have rusty nails, metals or other dangerous materials.





A destroyed house on the outskirts of Tacloban on Leyte island. This region was the worst affected by the typhoon, causing widespread damage and loss of life. Caritas is responding by distributing food, shelter, hygiene kits and cooking utensils. (Photo: Eoghan Rice - Trócaire / Caritas) From Wikipedia.



Also watch out for live electric wires and outlets that may have been submerged in water. It would be better to keep your main power switch off until experts arrive. That is why you need your house assessed properly.



Remember that water-transmitted diseases such as leptospirosis is very common during and after typhoons in flood-prone areas. Wear rain boots just to be safe. Or avoid wading in these dirty, murky waters altogether – especially if you have an open would.



If your stored drinking water supply is all gone, make sure you boil water that you intend to drink. Normally, rescue and relief operations send out bottled water that are safe to drink though.



Also, remember to clean up your surroundings and get rid of stagnant water that may be breeding ground for mosquitoes. We do not want dengue to be a problem after a disaster just struck, would we?





One of the 8 ships washed ashore at Anibong District, Tacloban City during Typhoon Haiyan. Image from Wikpedia.