against when our government provides entertainment facilities for the general public? There are many basketball courts (majority of them idle), baseball fields, and a first class track and field in the country where young people and adults can spend their free time exercising in. But other than a few plastic play things at the old OEK ground, there are no special places or equipments for the benefits of young children. The powers that be in the government must change this situation, and soon. Although these little ones do not vote, they are citizens too, and should be accorded the same treatment that is given to their older brothers and sisters. It is good for them and for the country.
Earthquakes and typhoons still pose threats to our islandsWe wrote about the above threats some years back, but to date, we still have not seen any serious preparations to mitigate or prevent the damages these natural disasters could cause should they occur in our country. Recent international weather advisories have reported a number of earthquakes striking some parts of Indonesia, a country just south of Palau. It is possible that the earth’s faults that are causing these earthquakes could cause the same disasters in Palau. Strong typhoons have also recently caused heavy damages, including loss of many lives, in areas west of Palau such as the Philippines and other countries in Asia. The heavy rains we have been experiencing may be warnings that we could be facing these same problems sometime in the near future. Early preparations in anticipation of earthquakes and typhoons can help minimize damages to properties and can help reduce dangers to human lives. Seemingly non-lethal objects not secured or tied down can become dangerous missiles when picked up and tossed about by typhoon-strength winds. A sheet of tin roofing becomes a sharp, deadly sword when flown about by a sixty-mile wind. Our Weather Service people can determine the nature of warnings that should be given to the general public. However, any weather advisory they give us would be useless, unless we act on them on a timely manner. Perhaps it is time that NEMO (National Emergency Management Office) should begin preparing for the next typhoons by explaining to the general public how to prepare for these destructive natural phenomenons. They should tell us, first of all, the names and locations of facilities, public and private, that have been designated or would be designated as shelter areas where people can go for protection when strong winds or typhoons threaten the country. When you prepare for a typhoon, always remember this advisory. “A direct or near passing of the storm’s eye usually disrupt electrical and water services. Roadways become blocked. When you prepare for the next typhoon, be sure to have adequate supply of emergency food, water, candles, and a kerosene or gas stove. Make sure the children are kept in-doors at all times”. The Police Officers, who direct traffic on our roads during typhoons and stormy weather, should be issued raincoats during bad weather in the same manner that they are provided other essential equipment when they go on duty. Our hard working officers need all the help and protection they can get at all times when performing their duties.
